60,000 South Africans....

Few people in England give a cr4p.

In other words, he was better than any available English union back after playing half a dozen games of union.

I don't recall any Welsh league converts playing for GB so quickly.

No, I said that few people give a cr4p and that Jason Robinson had never heard of them before playing for them. You chose to twist it to something else because it is easier to knock.



No, you proved that the South Africans do care about the Lions. They do, we don't. Not too hard a concept.

I also think it should need pointing out that "British and Irish" isn't the same as "English".

When I've been in Wales, fair enough I did see a fair number of Lions shirts being worn in public but they are very rare sight in England. England tops - yes, Lions tops - rarely.

It was?

Surely the Barmy army was the England cricket supporters first and foremost?

Hey understandable mate, personally I don't see anything wrong at all in that.

Well as a casual RU watcher I would say that Thomas is definitely one of the most famous and recognisable figures in Welsh RU.

In recent years with Wales achieving at least 2 Grand Slam's (AFAIK) he has played a big part in their revival (after years of underachievement by their standards in the 80's and 90's).

He has achieved a lot in RU and in terms of status and respect among the Welsh public I would imagine he is up there with Ieaun (sp) Evans, Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins, Shane Williams, and maybe even close to some of the legendary players of the 70's.

Always had a lot of respect for him since started watching RU around '97, AFAIK he's always been a role model on and off the pitch, and if he was years younger would probably have had the talent and dedication to make the transition to RL, but at 35 it would probably be too late for him now (at least at SL level).

Not sure what his current status is, i.e. I think he's now retired from international RU, but don't know about club level.

who an earth mentioned a barmy army.?

didnt u read the article.?

i beleive your 2nd quote to be wrong your whole country plays union, more clubs, players and supporters most in the world in one country i beleive.

by the way alf and poweel would be 2 good signings

Really KEVIN ELLIS was in first GB tour after he arrived.!

Also Farrell played in a got into a poor england backline and where presurised into picking him becuase of his high profile signing.

Also you cant compare really as farrell never played for the lions but Ellis played for GB and wales

Read the article 50,000 brits travelled to SA.!!!

Yes, he has retired from international rugby.

But is an ever present in the Blues team.!

Also he is still highly rated as the Ospreys are chasing his signature as well

eh? so 60,000 went but only one game each? strange thing to do. by the way im a union fan (although more league) and enjoy the lions enormously (scott gibbs knocking os du randt on his booty will stay with me forever) but the code doesnt half like to pump out dodgy numbers. i take them all these days with a pinch of salt. gareth thomas is a great player and i would love him to come to the crusaders. how well known he is or isnt in england in he his is known by every single person in wales and that is what matters. our win against hull will hopefully encourage him our way

I got it and as I pointed out to you "Brits" isn't the same thing as "English".