Monye back from the brink

ON a wing and a prayer, Ugo Monye will complete a remarkable journey tomorrow when he makes his Lions Test debut against South Africa in Durban.

Eighteen months ago, Monye was lying flat on his back on the floor of a friend’s flat unable to go to the toilet and being fed like a baby.

For five days he could not walk as a bulging disc, suffered while jogging, put pressure on his sciatic nerve leading to “horrible messages” being sent to his hamstrings.

For a winger whose game is based on pace – Monye has clocked a personal best of 10.6 seconds for the 100 metres – and power, it was a dark place to be. But it is testament to Monye’s depth of character and ambitions that he now finds himself just two sleeps from the biggest match of his career.

“It is beyond my wildest dreams. I truly thank God for everything he has done in my life, especially this year,” said Monye.

“This time last year I was on the bench for the England Saxons against the USA. Now I am starting a Test match for the British and Irish Lions. It has been a remarkable turnaround.

“A couple of years ago I was in a bit of bother but I put it all down to God. My faith has really helped get me to where I am today.”