SNUBBED KYLE IS SO INSPIRING
Jones praises prop’s reaction after his shock Lions KO
ENGLAND star Kyle Sinckler has been hailed as an inspiration to millions at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The Bristol prop’s emotional reaction to his shock omission by the British and Irish Lions went viral on social media.
And last night Lions front row great Adam Jones (below) spoke for many when revealing the “incredible pride” he feels for his protege whom he mentored during Sinckler’s time at Harlequins.
“I have been incredibly proud of Kyle many times,” said Jones, who chose Quins to start his coaching career because of the opportunity to work with Sinckler.
“But on Saturday, that surpassed everything, the way he spoke, putting it all out there – I understand his emotion.
“When you are emotionally attached to a kid like that it was tough to watch. But it shows how much he has grown as a bloke.”
Sinckler, who has battled demons to reach the top of the game, was in a Bristol team meeting when the Lions squad was announced last Thursday.
When the meeting broke up the players were stunned that the 28-year-old, universally tipped to make the Lions Test 23, was missing.
Bristol boss Pat Lam said: “Kyle came straight over, we had a hug, and he just said, ‘It’s all good. I’m going to use it for good’. Then he was just wonderful at training.”
Sinckler then delivered a man-ofthe-match performance as Bristol crushed Bath to stay eight points clear at the top of the Premiership.
“The way he dealt with himself shows how much he has grown up since that annoying little kid I first came across six years ago!” smiled Jones, who propped in five out of six Lions Tests on his two tours.
“And while I don’t want anyone to get injured, if there is an injury I am sure he’ll be the next guy on the plane.”
Meanwhile Mike Brown, England’s most-capped full-back, finds out tonight whether his Harlequins career has ended on the lowest of notes.
Brown, who joins Newcastle next season, was sent off on Sunday for stamping or trampling on the face of Wasps hooker Tommy Taylor.
Stamping on the head carries a minimum ban of six matches, which would end his Quins career.