Windsor talks of delight at tour call

WALES great Bobby Windsor has revealed how he had just £40 to last him for 12 weeks away on his first British & Lions tour.

The 1974 trip to South Africa began in mid-May and went through right to the end of July, with Willie John McBride’s invincible team going unbeaten in all 22 matches.

Hooker Windsor was a rookie on the international stage at the time, having only made his Wales debut the previous November against Australia.

So, there was understandable delight when the invite to tour South Africa dropped on his doormat.

“I got a card through the door. You had a separate notification beforehand to see if you were available, and it was fantastic to see it,” he told the official Lions website.

“I was the only player to be picked from Monmouthshire, so I had plenty of pats on the back from all the boys in and around the valleys.

“I had to get the money to go next, I didn’t have much and I went to London to catch the plane to South Africa with just £40 to last me the trip.

“The valley clubs were great, everyone was saying well done and having a few pints and had a collection to help me on my way.

“The Lions had notified me in writing asking if I would be available if selected and I obviously said yes. It’s the pinnacle of everything, I had been chuffed to be selected for Wales and the Lions was brilliant.”

Steelworker Windsor – nicknamed The Duke – went on to start all four Tests as the 1974 series was won 3-0 with the final game against the Springboks ending in a draw.

Famously, the teak-hard Pontypool front rower used an innovative tactic to get the edge in the scrum.

“We knew against the South Africans that you would need to get very low to be able to do them in the scrum, so I started striking the ball with my head instead of my foot,” he explained.

“It worked and we got the better of them all tour, but they changed the laws after that to stop anyone doing it again!”

Some 43 years on and Lions selection remains as prized as ever.

“If you look at all the players, there are good players and I am sure there will be some boys disappointed to be left out, you can’t take them all,” said Windsor.

“I think from a Welsh point of view, Justin Tipuric was man of the match twice in the Six Nations, so I hope he will go.

“Alun Wyn Jones has been fantastic for Wales, but personally I would have Rory Best as my pick as captain because he’s had a good season.”