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'One of the bravest' British and Irish Lions, Sandy Carmichael dies


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Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions forward Sandy Carmichael has died at the age of 77.

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Carmichael, who was awarded an MBE in 1977, earned 50 caps for Scotland between 1967 and 1978 and was part of Lions squads in 1971 and 1974.

During a fiery encounter against Canterbury during the 1971 Lions tour, Carmichael fractured his cheekbone in five places but managed to finish the game.

Confirming the news of his death, a Scottish Rugby tweet read: “Scottish Rugby is saddened to hear former Internationalist & @lionsofficial Sandy Carmichael MBE has died earlier today.

“He was a giant of the game in Scotland in many ways and our thoughts and condolences go to his friends and family at this time.”

The British and Irish Lions tweeted: “We are saddened to learn of the death of Lion #497 Sandy Carmichael MBE.

“Carmichael was part of the revered 1971 & 1974 squads and was recognised as one of the bravest as well as fairest players to grace the game.

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“Our thoughts go to his friends and family at this time.”

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EvilMockingJay 42 minutes ago
All Blacks dependency on Cam Roigard means he should sit out Super Rugby

There is a big difference between Super Rugby and Top14. That’s why one of them is the best championship while the over is clearly not. Top14 is longer, harder, and protecting players is a necessity, even without a WC year. Top14 players are playing too much. Far too much. Hell, Top14 (more intense than others championships and longer), useless ChCups we tend to win at en heavy price (winning both Top14 and ChCup is a nightmare), November/Summer series, 6 Nations we tend to win too, final phases of top14… Ain't the case in Super Rugby. + Not playing for a long time is also having negative consequences. It's not because France did what they did recently that it’s useful for other nations to follow. We did that because in OUR situation it’s beneficial to do so. It doesn’t mean everyone on the planet is in the same situation. Of course Roigard should be cautious (like everyone). And his club should take care of him (idk but burning an international player seems quite stupid, and I bet the Canes are not). But stop playing for a while ? That’s more than stupid.

PS : one exemple in France, Louis Bielle Biarrey. He wants to play the Olympics and the World Cup. He signed again this summer. That was difficult. I bet that in the negociations it was said he would not be playing too much top14 or CC to compete both RWC and Olympics. Meaning Union Bordeaux Bègles will not have one of their best weapons for most of this season. Not that he will not play at all…



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