Book description
After the memorial service for legendary England number 8 Andy
Ripley, where he saw so many friends from rugby, Stewart McKinney
decided to compile a selection of stories from players who have been
involved with the British and Irish Lions.
The result is Roars from the Back of the Bus, an absorbing,
amusing and at times moving collection of tales that give a rare
insight into the camaraderie that exists between players at the top of
their game, showing that relationships forged through experiences on a
Lions tour last a lifetime.
From the first Tour in 1888, it showcases characters with immense
personality who fought together in wars or on rugby pitches in foreign
lands, and who shared a bond developed through touring as
representatives of the home nations. Exclusive access to letters from
Alexander Findlater Todd in 1896 and diaries from 1938 and 1955 show
how today's Lions still follow links established years ago. Despite
the changes to the game following the advent of professionalism, the
experiences of Jamie Heaslip, Brian O'Driscoll and Joe Worsley can
still be compared to those of earlier intrepid tourists like Blair
Mayne, Lewis Jones, Sir Carl Aarvold or David Rollo. Containing
defining memories and private insights from across the tours and the
decades, it shows that the Lions ethos remains strong at the heart of
every team.
Stewart McKinney is a former Ireland international rugby player who
was part of the British and Irish Lions team that was victorious against
South Africa in 1974. He also edited and contributed to
Voices from
the Back of the Bus
, an acclaimed collection of true stories about playing international
rugby in the pre-professional era.
