ALAN’S KEY: WALK ON THE LINE, NOT OVER IT

IN 2005, Clive Woodward made a statement prior to picking his Lions squad for New Zealand that you had to be playing international rugby to be considered for Lions selection. This ruled out a lot of players, including Trevor Brennan who was playing some of his best rugby with one of the best teams in Europe, Toulouse. It was a big mistake.

When Ian McGeechan selected his Lions squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, he realised Woodward’s folly and decided to pick the people he felt could win a test series. This is why Alan Quinlan’s on the flight and not other strong favourites, including Tom Croft of England. Quinlan is a born winner, determined and as competitive as they come.

As a young lad growing up in Tipp Town, son to farming parents John and Mary, Alan was one of four kids (John, Andrew and Carol the others), and he’d every right to have that “each man for himself” attitude that most young lads would have.