"Lions' standout player contemplates retirement after potentially achieving remarkeable milestone in his possible final game."
Tadhg Furlong, the Irish prop forward, has tied the record for the most consecutive Test starts in the professional era for the British & Irish Lions. With nine successive appearances, he shares the benchmark with Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones.
Furlong will be playing his final match for the Lions on Saturday against Australia in Sydney. This final tour encounter sees the Lions aiming for an historic 3-0 series win.
The 31-year-old Furlong has had a rollercoaster ride to this point. His build-up to the tour was interrupted by an injury-hit season at Leinster, plagued by recurring calf and hamstring issues. However, he has managed to overcome these setbacks and has been a consistent performer for the Lions throughout the tour.
Furlong's journey with the Lions began in 2016-17, a year that turned out to be a breakthrough for him. The timing was fortuitous as it coincided with a Lions tour. Since then, he has started nine consecutive Test matches, a feat that places him among the top in the professional era.
Willie John McBride holds the record for most consecutive Lions Test starts with 15. However, Furlong's run of nine matches equals the benchmark set by Dickie Jeeps, Tony O'Reilly, RH Williams, and Graham Price.
Furlong attributes his success on this tour to the great group of lads and familiar coaches. He feels more at ease this time around, a sentiment shared by many in the squad.
The final match of the tour promises to be a tough one, with Taniela Tupou, the 'Tongan Thor', posing a significant threat to the Lions. Furlong first came across Tupou in 2018 when he was a young player breaking through. He has since grown into a formidable force, known for his powerful scrumming and explosive carries.
As Furlong prepares for his final match, he is being warned by his teammates about the dangers Tupou poses. However, with his healthy joints and strong mentality, Furlong is ready for the challenge.
Furlong's career has been marked by his resilience and determination. He came up through a good tutelage of the older lads in Leinster and Ireland, learning from the best in the business. This solid foundation has served him well, helping him to become one of the best props in the world.
As the Lions aim for a historic series win, Furlong will be a key player. His experience, combined with his form, makes him a valuable asset to the team. With the series already won, the final match promises to be a fitting end to Furlong's Lions career.
[1] - BBC Sport [2] - The Guardian [3] - ESPN
- Despite excelling in rugby, Tadhg Furlong might find interest in diversifying his sports portfolio, potentially participating in MMA or MLB, given his displayed resilience and determination.
- Amidst his successful rugby career, one may wonder if Furlong, a tycoon of resilience, contemplates entering the world of football, matching his prowess against other sporting legends.
