**Stunned Lions Flanker Courtney Lawes Recalls Gats’ Tour Prank Amid Rugby Reflections**
Courtney Lawes, a stalwart of English rugby and an influential member of the British and Irish Lions, has opened up about a surprising and rather unnerving moment during the 2021 tour of South Africa. The veteran forward, now plying his trade with Brive at 36, was momentarily left in shock after a pre-match breakfast chat with Lions head coach Warren Gatland took an unexpected turn.
Lawes, renowned for his resilience on the field, revealed that Gatland had jokingly told him he was being sent home from the high-profile tour. The comment came as Lawes was seeking clarification about his inclusion in the lineup, having noticed a drop in his game time after playing significant minutes in earlier fixtures. His unexpected omission from subsequent matches had left him concerned about his standing within the squad.
Recounting the incident, Lawes explained that he approached Gatland over breakfast, hoping for some honest feedback regarding his performance and reduced playing time. Gatland’s response, delivered with a straight face, was, “Sorry Courtney, we’re going to send you home.” The tension was soon broken, however, as Gatland burst into laughter, reassuring Lawes that it had all been a joke. The light-hearted prank brought relief to the England international, who admitted he “just needed some clarity to give [himself] something to get [his] head around everything.”
Gatland later clarified that Lawes’ absence from certain matches was precautionary, citing a minor neck complaint which the team was wisely managing. The coach praised Lawes for his impressive contributions earlier in the tour, suggesting the reduced workload was a measure to ensure he remained fit and fresh for the more pivotal encounters. “He’s had a lot of time earlier in the tour… another one we want to freshen up,” noted Gatland to the media. He emphasised there was “nothing wrong” with Lawes, simply a result of proactive player management.
The episode highlighted the often misunderstood dynamics between players and coaches on such demanding tours. Pranks and light-hearted moments like this, according to Lawes, were a regular part of squad life, helping to ease tension during pressure-filled periods. He also recalled another tour joke at the expense of Alun Wyn Jones, who, owing to injury, re-joined the squad late. Lawes quipped that there should be “a significant fine for turning up late,” suggesting tongue-in-cheek punishments for tardiness, to the amusement and camaraderie of his teammates.
Lawes’ experiences offer insight into the unique environment of the Lions. As one of rugby’s most prestigious teams, the Lions’ touring culture is as much about character and humour as it is about fierce competition on the field. Such anecdotes illustrate the close-knit nature of the touring party, as well as the sometimes-quirky leadership style made famous by Gatland over his long tenure.
This reflective moment comes as the Lions prepare to wrap up their latest tour, having just clinched a dramatic victory against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The side overcame a considerable deficit, having trailed 23-5 in the first half, to secure a remarkable 29-26 win in front of a roaring crowd. The comeback was marked by decisive tries from several squad members, confirming the Lions’ enduring reputation for resilience and flair.
The Lions’ current campaign has been impressive, boasting eight wins from nine matches, with their only setback being a tight loss to Argentina in a pre-tour warm-up. However, Lawes, who retired from international rugby in October 2023, has been watching from the sidelines, no longer donning the famous red jersey. His absence is certainly felt, given his influential presence in previous tours.
As Lawes reflects on his storied career and the memories forged in the pressure cooker of Lions rugby, it becomes apparent that the bonds between players, and the lighter moments off the field, remain as cherished as the hard-won victories. In high-performance sport, such episodes are not merely comic relief—they are essential to building trust and unity in pursuit of greatness.
Lawes’ tale is a timely reminder of the humanity present even at the highest level of rugby union. As one of the game’s most respected figures, his reflections provide both a personal perspective and a glimpse into rugby’s enduring traditions.