Regarding a vote of confidence, it seems that Andy Farrell must have a lot of confidence in the Scottish he selected for Lions earlier this week given how many of them have been cursed in injury recently.
Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings both missed the six nations of this year, while Huw Jones, Blair Kinghorn, Duhan Van der Merwe and Zander Fagerson all had their own fitness problems.
In the harsh and the fall of modern game, injuries are expected and perhaps Farrell thinks that the missing songs of the season will benefit them during what could be an exhausting and physical summer visit.
For Fagerson, the prospect of stopping on this famous red shirt gives him something again on which to concentrate. Well, that and the return in time to help Glasgow Warriors defend their URC title.
However, if all is bad for the highly rated propeller, he has at least his family – and wise and comforting words from his son – to help provide some comfort.
Before the official announcement earlier this week, Fagerson left to join her Warriors teammates in Scotstoun with a small spring in his step … At least until the nerves settled.
Emotion and relief are clear to see on Zander Fagerson’s face while his name is read
Despite his interior doubts, Fagerson’s place in the Lions team was widely awaited
Its secure place, Fagerson benefits from the rest of the announcement alongside Scott Cummings
He revealed: “I went to work on Thursday morning and said to Yaz (my wife) and children:“ You know, that doesn’t matter; Whatever happens, I will be happy despite everything, I just have to make sure I keep working hard. ”
“And Hamish, my son,” said, “Dad, it’s okay, don’t worry. I love you if you don’t make a choice, I love you if you are chosen! »»
“So I thought, you know what, it’s a good state of mind to have. So I didn’t think about it before going upstairs in the team room and that it reached two hours and that I expected that this is the case “Well, they will just read it”.
“But of course, a half-two years, the heating is on, the palms in sweat, still pending and I think:” What is happening? “So, I will not lie to you, the nerves had me at the end!
“But I am absolutely on the Moon, especially for the other boys who were also chosen, I could simply not be happier for everyone.”
Fagerson’s calf injury is relatively recent, but it remained optimistic about his chances of returning to a relatively quickly fitness.
Fagerson threatened against the DHL Stormers during the tour in South Africa in 2021
Fagerson benefits from an aquatic break with Louis Rees-Zammit and Chris Harris during the last lions tour
“It was just a scrum on training ground,” he said. “We trained completely on Monday, no problem. Then, on Tuesday, I did a complete session, scrums and mauls, lineouts, all the simple sail.
“Then, in the last scrum, I felt like one of the sides had struck me in the calf and I thought it’s a little weird. So after the fray, I turned around and said to the Flanker: “What are you playing?” He said, “I didn’t do anything”. I thought: “Oh no”.
“I tried to get up and it was then that it had launched that I had done it. I was absolutely emptied. First and foremost, I could not contribute to the club and help in this final race, but then, of course, intrusive thoughts come into play and so on.
“My plan was that we discovered what it is, we will get a plan in place and stick to the plan. This is the key. So, yes, while I continued, it’s a good plan. I’m quite happy. So far, so good. Let us continue to do what we do.
“I am really grateful to the coaches (Lions) for having tried me luck. I do everything I can come back and I will come back as soon as possible. I work as hard as possible to make sure I can get back on the field and contribute.
“There are so many good players who play well, so just being chosen is even more special and puts a little fire in my stomach to make sure I do everything I can come back to come back more quickly. No cheap meals for me!
Fagerson was a key element of the Glasgow UNITED Rugby Championship in the United States last year
Fagerson has raised 73 Scottish caps since its beginnings against England in 2016
“I’m not going to say yes or no (to come back for Glasgow before the end of the season) because if I do it or I don’t do it, it will be held against me. So, no, I will just say that I work as hard as possible and I will come back soon.
Ironically, it seems that the injury had the chance of his brother Matt to join him on the plane in Australia, although the rear rank was fiercely disputed.
“One hundred percent (it would have been chosen),” said Fagerson. “I think he played big rugby and, unfortunately, he also injured.
“I feel for the physios – two fagersons in the department of Physio. He works very hard to come back as quickly as he can too. And you never know, injuries occur. I think he did enough on the ground to show what he is capable of.
“I hope he will come back soon and that he can let his rugby speak and we will see what is going on.
“I thought he had broken his leg (against Leinster). He didn’t do it, but it was still not great. The ligaments are not very fun.
Fagerson is one of the four Glasgow stars called, alongside Cummings, Jones and Tuipulotu
Father of four children with his daughter Iona during the 2019 World Cup in Japan
“But he grafted and I put him through his rhythms in the gymnasium. He tries to follow. Pleasure.
Despite Matt, Warriors has always provided four players to the Lions team, with Fagerson adding: “ It is a huge testimony of the club, as well as coaches and players to what we build here.
“No matter how you play individually. It is a team sport, so players around you should help support this and help you continue to grow and develop. One hundred percent of the full credit to Franco Smith and the whole organization to get used to it.
“I absolutely buzzed for boys. I could not have chosen three best companions to go, especially Scotty, who is one of my best friends. I am absolutely on the moon for him. I know what he can do. And with the injury he suffered, it makes him even softer.
“Full credit in Glasgow. They do the right thing, so let’s continue.
