Dallaglio - a hero and a villain
The news that Lawrence Dallaglio has played his last game for England has divided our readership. Whilst many reckon that big ‘Lol’ should be immortalised in cast iron, an equal number believes that the Wasps stalwart should be jailed for years of “cheating”. Here are some of your views…
Do we believe him? We’ve been here before! He’s playing some of the best rugby of his career! Don’t go Dallaglio!
– Adam Sampson, Bristol
True to his massive ego, we must now all endure a six-month send-off. This man has no shame!
– Emma Dixon, USA
Hats off to the man. Sure, he’s a lippy so-and-so and excellent at cheating, but I really didn’t enjoy seeing him take apart the Wallabies year after year. The bottom line is that he’s a winner – a real rarity in British sport. Brian Ashton would do well to forgive him his whinging and get him on-side in a management position.
– Bill McCann, Australia
Overrated and retirement long overdue. Since 2003, a spent force internationally and nothing but his own self publicity kept him in the frame. All about me, me, me. Great for Wasps but a bit of a joke to anyone not interested in Wasps or England. An ego to match his broad shoulders.
– Michael, UK
Give away a penalty instead of a try was his motto.
– Gareth Williams
Having watched Dallaglio on Saturday I thought he was outstanding especially in respect of his defence. He has been a great servant to Wasps, England but most of all to the great game of rugby itself. I will never forget the impact he had playing with two other legends of the England back row Back and Hill. However like all good things they come to an end and it is now time for the bright talents of Easter, Rees and Haskell to have their day. I do hope he remains in the game and I could see him working wonders with Sean Edwards either at Wasps or England in the future. Lawrence – thanks for all you have done for the good of the game.
– Rick, Scunthorpe
One of the true greats – a real character. Rugby will be a sadder place for his passing.
– Adrian Jack, South Africa
Absolutely star and hero of English, British and World rugby. Occasionally lost his way, but a great leader who at his best let his rugby do the talking. I hope Lol enjoys the rest of his season and takes his part in the game after a break when he’s good and ready.
– John Line, UK
Lol was a great of the game and has being playing well for Wasps this season. He has stayed with Wasps his entire career. He was made club captain when Rob Andrew et al took the Newcastle money in 1995 and has stayed loyal to club and country ever since. Yes he does speak a lot, but he has always given his best to club and country. We are witnessing the end of one of the greats; he could have earned more money playing for Italy or a bigger club. In fact he took a pay cut to stay at Wasps. Good luck Lol you will always be a legend of the game.
– Tom, Bristol
Not soon enough. Should have gone after 2003, instead the memory and reputation of a once great player have been tarnished by the excesses of his sizeable ego! Shame.
– Andy Lee, London
A great career ruined by that Ashton bashing. Not in the spirit of the game. Good riddance to tired old rubbish. Take Catt with you.
– Terry Huxton, Leicester
Lol was one of the greatest back rows of all time, one of rugby’s true legends. He was a professional, knew how to win, didn’t let other peoples comments bother him and led by example. He also does not believe in retirement so has played on until he has had his day. Sure he thought a lot of himself and said some wrong things but he would not have been the same awesome force that he is if he had not been that way.You have to be mentally tough to compete at that level and he was the toughest of them all. Thanks 4 the memories Lozza!
– Sam
To Terry [above] – still smarting over the h/cup are we? I for one will miss Lol and the way he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. And by the way what the hell has Catty done? COME ON WASPS! ALLEZ, ALLEZ, ALLEZ!
– Deborah Elliott
Add your own brickbat or bouquet…
