Blair's delight at Lions call.RUGBY UNION SCOTLAND captain Mike Blair Michael Robert Leighton Blair (born April 20, 1981 in Edinburgh) is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He plays professional rugby union as scrum-half for Edinburgh Rugby and represents Scotland. Blair has recently signed another two-year contract with the Edinburgh Gunners. last night got the British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or more colloquially the British Lions call-up he craved - with more replacements set to be enlisted before the squad depart for South Africa South Africa, Afrikaans Suid-Afrika, officially Republic of South Africa, republic (2005 est. pop. 44,344,000), 471,442 sq mi (1,221,037 sq km), S Africa. on May 24. Just 20 days after he became one of three current Six Nations skippers to be overlooked by the Lions, Blair has been called up as the squad's first injury replacement. He takes over from broken ankle victim Tomas O'Leary. It is understood the scrum-half vacancy came down to a straight contest between 58 times-capped Edinburgh star Blair and Harlequins' England international Danny Care. Head coach Ian McGeechan Ian McGeechan (born on October 30 1946) is a highly successful former rugby union footballer and coach. His nickname is "Geech". Playing career He played for Headingley and made his debut for Scotland in 1972. He won thirty-two caps, playing at fly-half and centre. must also decide on a replacement for injured Wales centre Tom Shanklin - England back Delon Armitage is believed to be a strong candidate - while Munster flanker Alan Quinlan could become the Lions' third pre-tour casualty. Quinlan faces a disciplinary hearing in Dublin after being cited for allegedly making contact with the eyes or eye area of Leinster skipper Leo Cullen during last month's Heineken Cup semi-final. If a ban is imposed, Quinlan will find himself sidelined, probably opening the Lions door for Leicester and England back-row prospect Tom Croft. Blair, meanwhile, takes the Scottish representation to three, joining prop Euan Murray and lock Nathan Hines. "It is a massive honour," said 28-year-old Blair. "The call-up just goes to show how quickly everything can change in rugby, and I am determined to seize my chance and make an impact. "Since the original squad was announced, I've just focused on playing well for Edinburgh and helping the team climb up the Magners League. Fortunately, that has helped me to get selected.. |
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