Thenext question was started, but not finished.  We got as far as ‘Which props . . .?’  

Straight away, Brian answered“Jason Leonard and Jeff Probyn. Jason because he’s just Jason and Jeff because he was a fantasticcheat”.  It transpired that MrProbyn was a bit of a nutter. “Jeff was masochistic – brave and mental.   He used to do these upside down press-ups which wethought was just to show that he could move his gut up and down.  Jeff could scrummage low andsteady.   The opposition wouldtry to drop him but he took so much pressure off the back 5 that they could domore around the park.  Jeff didlots around the park”  He alsomentioned Victor Ubogu who, despite being excellent at club level wasn’t quiteup to it in the international game. He recalled one game when Victor went up to his captain, PeterWinterbottom, and said “Sorry Peter, but my legs have gone”.   Brian wouldn’t tell us whatWints’ response was – sadly!

Brianwas asked if he’d ever considered management.

“No, why would I?  Why would I want to do the best work Icould to have 15 other people go out and f*** it up and then get fired.”  Fair point.  “I haven’t got the temperament.  I had a year when I coached the Bank of Englandforwards.  Coaching is theeffective transmission of ideas. If you can’t do that, it won’t work.  You need man-management skills, emotional literacy skillsand I don’t have them.  I think youcan learn them, but I don’t think I have the patience.  You see Martin Johnson gettingfrustrated on the touchline . . . I couldn’t watch my destiny in the hands of other people.”     

Stayingon the subject of management, we touched on Dean Richards’ replacement.  “Does the club need someone now orshould they wait? 

I tend to thinkthat the longer it goes on, the less the urgency.  The Bloodgate effects will lessen, the coaching team isintact, the squad has spirit, so I tend to think they should wait and get theright person.  Who?  Was Dean Richards the rightperson?  Dean Ryan never wonanything, but that was probably because he had backs with no brains like IainBalshaw.  There’s a manager in thesecond division called Glenn Delaney – a kiwi.  Nottingham have no money and average players but he’s atremendous coach.  People arereluctant to give people chances as survival is important.  Who do you give the chance to?  Do you pick a ‘name’?  Coaches who were good players are givenmore kudos than their coaching skills deserve.  McGeechan would be good but he would have to spend all histime at the club.  Wasps sufferedlast season because of the Lions preparation.  He’s got a good track record though.”

So,it’s unlikely we’re going to get Brian to take on the role of Director of Rugbyat Quins any time soon.  It’s a bitof a shame really, as the post match interviews would be fun to listen to!

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