After the memorial service for legendary England
number 8 Andy Ripley, where he saw so many friends from
rugby, Stewart McKinney decided to compile a selection
of stories from players who have been involved with the
British and Irish Lions. The result is ''Roars from the
Back of the Bus'', an absorbing, amusing and at times
moving collection of tales that give a rare insight into
the camaraderie that exists between players at the top
of their game, showing that relationships forged through
experiences on a Lions tour last a lifetime. From the
first Tour in 1888, it showcases characters with immense
personality who fought together in wars or on rugby
pitches in foreign lands, and who shared a bond
developed through touring as representatives of the home
nations. Exclusive access to letters from Alexander
Findlater Todd in 1896 and diaries from 1938 and 1955
show how today's Lions still follow links established
years ago. Despite the changes to the game following the
advent of professionalism, the experiences of Jamie
Heaslip, Brian O'Driscoll and Joe Worsley can still be
compared to those of earlier intrepid tourists like
Blair Mayne, Lewis Jones, Sir Carl Aarvold or David
Rollo.Containing defining memories and private insights
from across the tours and the decades, it shows that the
Lions ethos remains strong at the heart of every
team. |
|