Tuipulotu’s Journey to the British and Irish Lions

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been consumed by thoughts of the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer, and he’s not just talking about the thrill of representing the storied team.

After a pectoral injury forced him to miss the entire Six Nations, Tuipulotu’s place in the squad was far from guaranteed.

However, the 28-year-old centre is now on the cusp of a return to action with Glasgow Warriors and is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“I just want to take my chance now,” Tuipulotu told BBC Scotland. “I want to repay the coaches by jumping back in and proving why they selected me.”

With a renewed sense of hunger and desperation, Tuipulotu is eager to prove himself as a better player than before his injury.

He credits the faith shown in him by Andy Farrell and the Lions coaches for his determination to succeed.

Tuipulotu’s journey to the Lions squad was far from straightforward. Despite being one of eight Scots selected, he had all but given up hope of making the team when injury struck on the eve of the Six Nations.

“I was walking around the house thinking, ‘I guess that’s me’,” he recalled, his father having witnessed his despair firsthand. However, Tuipulotu’s perseverance paid off when his name was read out as part of the Lions squad, an experience he described as “euphoric.”

Now, as he prepares to take the field in Australia, Tuipulotu is driven by a desire to perform in big games for such an iconic team.

The Lions’ rich history is a source of inspiration for him, and he hopes to add his own chapter to the team’s storied legacy. “I just want to go out there and make my mark,” he said, his passion and determination evident in every word.