Swing Low, Dallaglio
Probably the greatest Wasp ever, to retire
Swing Low, Dallaglio
By Barney B January 3 2008
In the normal run of things, a Twyford Avenue pre-Leeds press day would be a pretty low-key affair. A few journos would turn up, stand around the bar area, speak to a couple of players and coaches, and that would be it. Today, it was very different. The colossus of the world stage that is Lawrence Bruno Nero Dallaglio had an announcement.
Swing Low, Dallaglio
In the normal run of things, a Twyford Avenue pre-Leeds press day would be a pretty low-key affair. A few journos would turn up, stand around the bar area, speak to a couple of players and coaches, and that would be it. Today, it was very different. The colossus of the world stage that is Lawrence Bruno Nero Dallaglio had an announcement.
Cameras as far as the eye could see, sponsors’ logo boards standing proudly behind a table groaning beneath the weight of microphones, rows of seats laid out for the Fourth Estate, and standing room only. There were some unfamiliar faces there. One TV hack didn’t even know who Ian McGeechan was!
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing of all was that it started on time – maybe because it was live on TV. Just before midday, in marched the big man, followed by Messrs. McGeechan, Edwards and Copsey.
Lawrence began by saying that he had originally planned to announce his retirement after the Bath game, but the gastric flu outbreak had put paid to that.
With his usual self-deprecating humour, he spoke at length about the reasons behind his decision, his hopes for the future, and of the high points of his glorious career.
He stressed how fortunate he has been, and what a privilege it has been to be part of the club since 1990, making particular mention of the fact that he’s worked with fewer coaches in that time than some players do in five years!
He was asked about his future, and he said that he’s already in discussions with the club about what role he could play. The immediate future will not be in coaching. He doesn’t feel he’s ready for that yet, but he plans to do everything necessary to prepare himself for a coaching role in due course.
When asked to name the highlights of his career, he said that the 1997 Lions tour was the absolute pinnacle, and that there will never be a tour like it again. He then said how wonderful it had been to win the Heineken Cup twice. He said that doing that against such huge sides as Toulouse and Leicester, in the company of the mates with whom you work every day of the week, had been something very special.
He was asked about the impact of foreign players on the domestic game, and observed that they had rather less impact at Wasps than at any other club. He spoke with enthusiasm and anticipation about the depth of young talent coming through the club, and said that he has absolutely no doubt that Wasps will remain a force for years to come. He made one amusing throwaway comment about how it would be nice to have the occasional club game which doesn’t clash with internationals.
He was asked whether he had ever considered becoming a referee, to which he replied with a very firm ‘No!’, after which he said that many people think he’s already a ref.
He said that he will really miss playing the game, as he knows nothing better than working hard with your mates, taking on the best players around, and beating them.
Geech paid tribute to him, saying that he had been an essential part of an exceptional time for English rugby. Shaun described him as the greatest ever rugby captain, and someone who has come through adversity to show what can be achieved by seeing something through. Tony Copsey echoed those sentiments, and repeated that discussions are already under way, to find a suitable role for Lawrence, once he’s played his last game. Shaun chipped in that he did not expect him to be a stranger.
The last words came from Lawrence himself. He said that rugby is the great game it is because it is not about individuals, it is about a team. You cannot succeed in the game if you’re an individual, and it is the team ethos of the game which has meant more to him than anything.
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing of all was that it started on time – maybe because it was live on TV. Just before midday, in marched the big man, followed by Messrs. McGeechan, Edwards and Copsey.
Lawrence began by saying that he had originally planned to announce his retirement after the Bath game, but the gastric flu outbreak had put paid to that.
With his usual self-deprecating humour, he spoke at length about the reasons behind his decision, his hopes for the future, and of the high points of his glorious career.
He stressed how fortunate he has been, and what a privilege it has been to be part of the club since 1990, making particular mention of the fact that he’s worked with fewer coaches in that time than some players do in five years!
He was asked about his future, and he said that he’s already in discussions with the club about what role he could play. The immediate future will not be in coaching. He doesn’t feel he’s ready for that yet, but he plans to do everything necessary to prepare himself for a coaching role in due course.
When asked to name the highlights of his career, he said that the 1997 Lions tour was the absolute pinnacle, and that there will never be a tour like it again. He then said how wonderful it had been to win the Heineken Cup twice. He said that doing that against such huge sides as Toulouse and Leicester, in the company of the mates with whom you work every day of the week, had been something very special.
He was asked about the impact of foreign players on the domestic game, and observed that they had rather less impact at Wasps than at any other club. He spoke with enthusiasm and anticipation about the depth of young talent coming through the club, and said that he has absolutely no doubt that Wasps will remain a force for years to come. He made one amusing throwaway comment about how it would be nice to have the occasional club game which doesn’t clash with internationals.
He was asked whether he had ever considered becoming a referee, to which he replied with a very firm ‘No!’, after which he said that many people think he’s already a ref.
He said that he will really miss playing the game, as he knows nothing better than working hard with your mates, taking on the best players around, and beating them.
Geech paid tribute to him, saying that he had been an essential part of an exceptional time for English rugby. Shaun described him as the greatest ever rugby captain, and someone who has come through adversity to show what can be achieved by seeing something through. Tony Copsey echoed those sentiments, and repeated that discussions are already under way, to find a suitable role for Lawrence, once he’s played his last game. Shaun chipped in that he did not expect him to be a stranger.
The last words came from Lawrence himself. He said that rugby is the great game it is because it is not about individuals, it is about a team. You cannot succeed in the game if you’re an individual, and it is the team ethos of the game which has meant more to him than anything.
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StumbleuponRe: Probably the greatest Wasp ever to retire
Posted by: smitch (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:01:03:20:13:08
No probably about it...He is the greatest Wasps no question...personally I hope he jumps into the commercial side for Wasps and makes us as professional and successful off the pitch as he made us on it...then once he has sorted that out and he has had a break from the day in and day out rigours of training, he joins the coaching staff and becomes a legend in that field also.
Re: Probably the greatest Wasp ever to retire
Posted by: welsh wasp (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:01:03:21:21:03
[email][/email]I can remember his first game; not long after my son and I started following Wasps. He seemed to be a callow yough who listened to his elders and betters - but, strangely, moved around rather faster than they did and seemed to be thinking faster too. A strong back row of Dean Ryan, Buster White and LBDN. I don't think we have anyone to follow White and Volley; maybe just as well as we would have lots of 10 minutes breaks with only two in the back row.
Then Ryan followed Andrew (& others) to Newcastle and Dallaglio came into his own.We were lucky to have hime then.
Maybe he should have followed his Italian heritage and saved Wales some embarrasment.
From first game to latest, the highlight of the Bath game for me was his peel from a scrum and one-handed flip pass to Sackey who deserved to score. Just showed that he is right about how he has performed for us over the last couple of months.
Now we have Haskell who seems to have come good at the right time to take over the same role and the same leadership. But will he also be so helpful to the referee.
Then Ryan followed Andrew (& others) to Newcastle and Dallaglio came into his own.We were lucky to have hime then.
Maybe he should have followed his Italian heritage and saved Wales some embarrasment.
From first game to latest, the highlight of the Bath game for me was his peel from a scrum and one-handed flip pass to Sackey who deserved to score. Just showed that he is right about how he has performed for us over the last couple of months.
Now we have Haskell who seems to have come good at the right time to take over the same role and the same leadership. But will he also be so helpful to the referee.
Re: Probably the greatest Wasp ever to retire
Posted by: Matty H (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:01:06:11:05:21
I've been dreading this for a while now. I hope he stays with Wasps in some capacity, as his presence (in any form) is as important as his play.
Re: Probably the greatest Wasp ever to retire
Posted by: abcd in the sun sun sun (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:01:06:12:08:12
Finished reading his biog last night, good read.
He clearly has put the club ahead of just about everything in his life.
I would love to see him stay around, but feel he needs a bit of time to himself, Lol time, then come back and see what he can contribute off the field.
He clearly has put the club ahead of just about everything in his life.
I would love to see him stay around, but feel he needs a bit of time to himself, Lol time, then come back and see what he can contribute off the field.
Re: Probably the greatest Wasp ever to retire
Posted by: mel1 (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:01:07:13:20:20
Sob.
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