Funny Sporting Stories

source

There are some stories that never get stale and need to be told because they are that good and kind of unbelievable, but they are true. This story I have known for years and forgot about it until I was reminded recently when it came up on a podcast I was watching. These are the type of incidents that make a team stronger on and off the field.

The story involves the England Rugby team and their ticket tape parade through London on December, 8th 2003. There would be two buses involved one for the players and one for the coaching and back room staff. The route would meander it's way around London down Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, popping in at Downing Street to see the Prime Minister. They would make their way down to the Mall and on to see the Queen at Buckingham Palace. What could go wrong?

On the players bus they had cases of beer and champagne to help make the celebration more enjoyable. This was the first time these players had been involved in such a parade and the going was slow due to the number of supporters lining the entire route. At Trafalgar square the players climbed off the bus to say a few words to the crowd.

source

Jason Leonard who is known to be able to consume his alcohol had got stuck into the beers and now whilst on the bus with no toilets needed to have a pee. This is poor planning as crates of beer and no toilet never ends well. The one and only solution they had was for Jason to use a Champagne bottle so the players huddled around to conceal him from cameras. A good plan poorly executed as Lewis Moodie had his light grey suit trouser leg sprayed. This was not a problem as he propped his leg over the side of the bus to dry out in the wind. Their coach on the trailing bus was concerned seeing his leg hanging over the bus, but was told it was drying off and you don't want to know via a phone call.

By the time the team arrived at Buckingham place the trouser leg was dry even though you could see the stain remaining. Lewis was told not to worry as no one will notice and it was their little secret.

source

The team was ushered into a reception room to meet the Queen and have a photo opportunity. The doors opened and in walked the queen with her Corgis who made a bee line for Lewis's trouser leg. The dogs would not leave him alone to the amusement of the players trying to keep a straight face.

The Queen then said to Lewis in order to distract the dogs she normally kicked the Corgi's balls. At the same time the Queen opened her handbag to show Lewis the toy balls she had for the dogs to play with Lewis literally kicked the one Corgi's balls lifting the dog a few meters in the air across the room. This was obviously the wrong balls and everyone tried to calm the situation down as a misunderstanding.

Who would have thought that a highlight in your career could have been marred by such an unforgettable moment. The players still laugh about it today as no one would have believed this story and was confirmed by one of the Royal Family members as being very true.

I have a few other stories that are just as good and will try and do a weekly post because they need to be told.