Chris Ashton, Danny Care and Mike Brown have all felt the disappointment of being overlooked for a British and Irish Lions squad Hidden away on a club laptop, perhaps already among the deleted items, there is other footage. In it, a discreetly distanced camera zooms in on a player's face and catches only disappointment as their name slips away unspoken during last Thursday's British and Irish Lions squad announcement. For them, there is no eruption of noise from their team-mates or hugs from friends and family. No celebration post on social media, no photoshoot with the famous red shirt, no call-up to one of the most exclusive teams in sport. Only a gap in their summer calendar, and a void where hope had grown but was shattered in an instant. Four years ago, on the touchline of Bath's Recreation Ground, there was a glimpse of that private devastation. Kyle Sinckler, a three-Test tourist to New Zealand in 2017, a star of the 2019 World Cup and an England regular, was thought to be a shoo-in, but instead he was left out of the initial squad to tour South Africa. LISTEN: Rugby Union Weekly - the Farrell debate and fancy-dress season Two days later, he was interviewed after Bristol's win over Bath. "It's been tough - it means so much to me,"he told TNT Sports,,externalhis voice breaking with emotion. "In a year or two's time I will look back at it and it will all make sense, but right now it doesn't. "I have never experienced something like this in my whole life, never mind my career." Danny Care experienced it more than he would like. The 38-year-old scrum-half has been a serial contender for Lions squads, without ever being a passenger on the plane. "It's horrible,"he told Rugby Union Weekly. "I get the drama of the announcement, with no-one knowing beforehand. I actually love the drama of it - it is so unique. "But from being on the other end of it, it is genuinely one of the hardest days. Every four years it comes round, and it drags up some horrible memories." In 2009, before the Lions tour to South Africa, Care was watching the squad announcement at Harlequins' training ground, alongside team-mate and friend Ugo Monye. Both had played in England's Six Nations campaign earlier in the year and harboured hopes of being involved. Monye went, Care did not. "We were in the training ground and when Ugo got named we were buzzing," Care remembers. "So many of us were so happy for him, but personally I didn't get named then had to go and train straight after. "Everyone says how sorry they feel for you, but there is nothing they can say to make it better. It's tough." Monye went on to play in two of the Lions' three Tests in South Africa, scoring a long-distance try in the third Mike Brown went through the same in 2017. Except he did not even make it to Harlequins' training ground. On his way in on the morning of the announcement, listening on the radio, he heard he wouldn't be touringas details of the squad leaked out to the media. Brown, who has started every game for England's Six Nations winners in 2017, was bereft. "I was gutted. Embarrassed. I felt like a failure - worthless,"he remembered in a recent Linkedin post.,external "I trained that day with my head in the clouds, empty. Questioning everything. As you can imagine, I was awful in the session. Dropped balls, no energy, silent. I just wanted to get home and hide away." Care's final shot at Lions selection came in 2021. After steering Harlequins to a thrilling Premiership triumph, there was a groundswell of support for the then 34-year-old to make the tour to South Africa. Even the man at the centre was swept along. "I hadn't played for England in over two years, but people start saying things, picking teams and saying I was definitely on the plane," he said. "[Former Lions captain] Sam Warburton said something and I thought, 'if Sam says it then maybe, just maybe'. "Then [Lions coach] Warren Gatland comes to watch one of your games. And, again, you think maybe I am going to be in. "I am so happy for the lads who have been picked, but I don't know what that feeling must be like. "You see the reaction videos and it looks like the coolest feeling you could ever have, but I have never had that and never will." The spectre of Lions selection - never mind the fallout from non-selection - can spook players, says Chris Ashton. The former Saracens, Northampton, Sale, Leicester, Harlequins and Worcester wing is the all-time leading Premiership try-scorer and crossed 20 times in 44 appearances for England. He was hotly tipped for the 2013 squad, but then overlooked. His hopes of making the squad, along with those of several England stars, were harmed bytheir team's implosion against Walesin the final round of that year's Six Nations. "It actually ruined my whole season, to be honest," says Ashton. "I would play a game, and be desperate to play well. Then, when you don't, the next week you think you absolutely have to play well. "Any sportsperson in that sort of mindset is never going to perform - when you are trying so hard to do well and you just can't get going." Sometimes, Lions rejects do get going though. While Care, Ashton and Brown never wore Lions red, Sinckler, so stricken by his initial omission, did end up on the 2021 tour of South Africa. Ireland's Andrew Porter, who had been preferred to him, suffered a toe injury before the team departed, prompting a belated call-up. A couple of months after his emotional interview at the Rec, the England prop was on the touchline once again. This time, it was to make his entrance off the bench and into the first Test against the Springboks. Missing out stays with players. For a lucky few though, not for too long. Sinckler is now playing his club rugby at French club Toulon and missed out on selection for the 2025 tour of Australia
'It drags up horrible memories' - the dark side of Lions judgement day
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"The Emotional Toll of British and Irish Lions Selection on Players"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
The emotional impact of not being selected for the British and Irish Lions squad is profoundly felt among players, as evidenced by the experiences of Chris Ashton, Danny Care, and Mike Brown. Each of these athletes has faced the disappointment of being overlooked for one of the most prestigious teams in rugby. When the squad announcement occurs, the moment is often filled with joy for some and heartbreak for others. For those left out, such as Kyle Sinckler, the sting of rejection can be overwhelming. Sinckler, who has represented England in multiple international matches, expressed the depth of his disappointment when he was not included in the 2021 squad. His emotional response underscores the personal and professional significance of Lions selection, which is often seen as a pinnacle achievement in a rugby player's career. The absence of celebration, public recognition, or even the chance to wear the iconic Lions jersey leaves a void that is difficult to fill, with players left grappling with their dashed hopes and shattered dreams.
Danny Care, reflecting on his own experiences, described the squad announcement as one of the toughest days in a player's life. He recounted moments from previous announcements where he felt the joy of his teammates contrasted sharply with his own disappointment. Care's narrative highlights the unique pressure and emotional turmoil associated with the selection process, which occurs every four years. Mike Brown's experience further illustrates this theme; he learned of his omission while en route to training, which left him feeling embarrassed and questioning his worth as a player. The mental toll of such experiences can linger, affecting performance and morale. While some players, like Sinckler, eventually get opportunities later on, the memories of exclusion can haunt others. As the Lions selection process continues to evoke strong emotions, it serves as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows that define the careers of professional athletes in rugby.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by rugby players who were not selected for the British and Irish Lions squad. It highlights the personal struggles and disappointments that accompany such announcements, alongside the intense scrutiny of public and media expectations. The narrative brings to light the human side of professional sports, emphasizing the psychological impact of exclusion from prestigious teams.
Emotional Impact on Athletes
The piece effectively captures the feelings of disappointment and heartache that players like Kyle Sinckler and Danny Care encounter when their names are omitted from the squad. Sinckler's emotional response illustrates the deep personal significance of being selected, while Care's reflections show how the anticipation of selection can lead to recurring distress. This focus on emotional vulnerability serves to humanize athletes, making their experiences relatable to fans and the general public.
Public Perception and Community Sentiment
By sharing these personal stories, the article aims to foster empathy among readers towards the athletes' plight. It attempts to shift public perception, encouraging a deeper understanding of the pressures and emotional stakes that accompany professional sports. The narrative seeks to resonate with fans who may not fully appreciate the behind-the-scenes struggles of their sporting heroes.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on the emotional experiences of the athletes, it may also serve as a subtle critique of the selection process in professional sports. By showcasing the disappointment of players, it raises questions about the criteria used for selection and the potential biases involved. This could imply a need for greater transparency in how teams are chosen.
Analysis of Reliability and Manipulation
The reliability of the article hinges on the authenticity of the players' experiences shared within it. Given that personal narratives are included, the article appears to present a genuine account of their feelings. However, the framing of these emotions can be seen as somewhat manipulative, drawing on the readers' sympathies to highlight the darker side of sports fame. The language used evokes strong emotional responses, which could skew perceptions of the selection process itself.
Connections with Other News
This article could be linked to broader discussions surrounding mental health in sports, especially as more athletes speak out about their struggles. It aligns with growing media narratives focusing on the psychological well-being of athletes, suggesting a trend in how sports journalism is evolving to include these critical perspectives.
Societal Implications
The insights provided may contribute to increased awareness around mental health in sports, potentially prompting discussions among fans, clubs, and policymakers about the emotional well-being of athletes. If this topic gains traction, it could lead to changes in how teams support their players, influencing recruitment strategies and team dynamics.
Target Audience and Support
The article is likely to resonate with sports fans, particularly those who appreciate the emotional narratives behind athletic performances. It may also appeal to mental health advocates and individuals interested in the psychological aspects of professional sports.
Market Impact
While this article may not directly influence stock markets or specific shares, it could affect the public image of rugby institutions and their marketability. Brands associated with rugby may take note of the emotional narratives and adjust marketing strategies to align with the values of empathy and support.
Global Context
In the context of global sports narratives, this article reflects ongoing discussions about the pressures faced by athletes worldwide. It is pertinent to contemporary debates about mental health, especially in high-stakes environments like professional sports.
Considering the emotional depth and personal accounts presented, the article appears credible. However, the manipulative framing of these narratives could skew the perceptions of the selection process and its implications for athletes.