Dallaglio still eyeing Lions spot
Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio insists he has not given up hope of securing a place on next summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has made it clear he will be looking to select players on form shown during the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship.
Dallaglio will not figure in that tournament after calling time on his England career earlier this year.
However, the Wasps forward firmly believes he could cope with a return to the international arena against the All Blacks next summer.
“Put it this way, I wouldn’t let anyone down I can assure you of that. I know what it takes and I know what I have to offer,” said Dallaglio, who toured South Africa in 1997 with the Lions and travelled to Australia three years ago before a knee injury forced him home.
“From what I witnessed at close quarters on Sunday in our Heineken Cup match against Leicester, I certainly didn’t feel out of place alongside those players, many of whom will be on the trip.
“If I’m fit and playing well, then I’m most certainly available. If Clive feels he has no need to look outside the international crop, then fine. If he does, then he won’t need to look too far, will he?” quotes The Daily Telegraph.
In fact, 32-year-old Dallaglio feels concentrating solely on club rugby this season could actually stand him in good stead if picked for the Lions.
He added: “Well, I’ll be in good shape and fresh without another 10 Tests on the clock, won’t I.”
