Ever wondered what the life of a rugby prop feels like during a British & Irish Lions tour? Well, Pierre Schoeman, the powerhouse prop with a South African flair and Scottish allegiance, has some insights that might just blow your scrum cap off. Having transitioned from the Bulls to dominating the scrum for Scotland, Schoeman has become an integral part of the prop brotherhood on the Lions tour down under.
It's not all scrums and tackles for these hefty heroes; they've got their own exclusive club. "We actually have a prop group that none of our other team members are allowed on. They don’t know about it, but our secret is out now," Schoeman revealed in a chat with The Scotsman. The group, self-dubbed as bison, holds clandestine nightly meetings initiated by none other than Finlay Bealham. "We are like bison, migrating together. We have a secret meeting every night," Schoeman shared, illustrating the tight-knit nature of this unique fellowship.
"Looseheads all around the world are very similar. They are quite weird and unique people. Something isn’t right,"
The camaraderie extends beyond the pitch with Schoeman and his fellow front-rowers. Despite the fierce competition for spots in the Test matches, these giants of the game find time to bond over tea and familial introductions, creating a support system that's as solid as their defensive scrums. "We stick together and have a tea after every training session and we get to meet each other’s families and ask deep questions. But it’s just for props in whatever hotel we live in," he added.
Among the props, those donning the number one jersey share a special bond. Schoeman, alongside Ellis Genge and Andrew Porter, forms a trio of what might be considered the front row's gladiators. Their connection is founded on a shared understanding and respect for the unique challenges of their role.
"We always say that playing rugby you must have a screw loose, but playing rugby as a loosehead prop…We like going to dark places – physically, mentally, spiritually."
This revelation not only adds depth to the understanding of what it takes to be a prop at the highest levels of rugby but also sheds light on the peculiar, almost masochistic pleasure these players derive from their position. It’s a tough job, but it seems the bison are more than up for the challenge.
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Ever wondered what the life of a rugby prop feels like during a British & Irish Lions tour? Well, Pierre Schoeman, the powerhouse prop with a South African flair and Scottish allegiance, has some insights that might just blow your scrum cap off. Having transitioned from the Bulls to dominating the scrum for Scotland, Schoeman has become an integral part of the prop brotherhood on the Lions tour down under.
It's not all scrums and tackles for these hefty heroes; they've got their own exclusive club. "We actually have a prop group that none of our other team members are allowed on. They don’t know about it, but our secret is out now," Schoeman revealed in a chat with The Scotsman. The group, self-dubbed as bison, holds clandestine nightly meetings initiated by none other than Finlay Bealham. "We are like bison, migrating together. We have a secret meeting every night," Schoeman shared, illustrating the tight-knit nature of this unique fellowship.
"Looseheads all around the world are very similar. They are quite weird and unique people. Something isn’t right,"
The camaraderie extends beyond the pitch with Schoeman and his fellow front-rowers. Despite the fierce competition for spots in the Test matches, these giants of the game find time to bond over tea and familial introductions, creating a support system that's as solid as their defensive scrums. "We stick together and have a tea after every training session and we get to meet each other’s families and ask deep questions. But it’s just for props in whatever hotel we live in," he added.
Among the props, those donning the number one jersey share a special bond. Schoeman, alongside Ellis Genge and Andrew Porter, forms a trio of what might be considered the front row's gladiators. Their connection is founded on a shared understanding and respect for the unique challenges of their role.
"We always say that playing rugby you must have a screw loose, but playing rugby as a loosehead prop…We like going to dark places – physically, mentally, spiritually."
This revelation not only adds depth to the understanding of what it takes to be a prop at the highest levels of rugby but also sheds light on the peculiar, almost masochistic pleasure these players derive from their position. It’s a tough job, but it seems the bison are more than up for the challenge.