In terms of a vote of confidence, it appears Andy Farrell must have plenty of faith in the Scots he has selected for the Lions earlier this week given how many of them have been cursed with injury of late.
Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings both missed this year’s Six Nations, while Huw Jones, Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe and Zander Fagerson have all had their own fitness issues.
In the rough and tumble of the modern game, injuries are to be expected and perhaps Farrell believes that missing chunks of the season will benefit them during what could be a gruelling and physical summer tour Down Under.
For Fagerson, the prospect of pulling on that famous red shirt once again at least gives him something to focus on. Well, that and returning in time to help Glasgow Warriors defend their URC title.
Yet, if it all goes wrong for the highly-rated prop, he at least has his family — and some sage and comforting words from his son — to help provide some solace.
Ahead of the official announcement earlier this week, Fagerson headed off to join his Warriors team-mates at Scotstoun with a little spring in his step… at least until the nerves set in.
The emotion and relief is clear to see on Zander Fagerson’s face as his name is read out
Despite his inner doubts, Fagerson’s place on the Lions squad was widely anticipated
His place secured, Fagerson enjoys the rest of the announcement alongside Scott Cummings
He revealed: ‘I left for work on Thursday morning and said to Yaz (my wife) and the kids, “You know, it doesn’t matter; whatever happens, I’ll be happy regardless, just got to make sure I keep working hard”.
‘And Hamish, my son, said, “Daddy, it’s alright, don’t worry about it. I love you if you don’t get picked, I love you if you do get picked!”
‘So I thought, you know what, it’s a good mindset to have. So I wasn’t thinking about it until we got upstairs to the team room and it got to two o’clock and I was expecting it to be case of, “Well, they’ll just read it out”.
‘But of course, half two, heating’s on, sweaty palms, still waiting and I’m thinking, “What’s going on?” So, I won’t lie to you, the nerves got me at the end!
‘But I’m absolutely over the moon, especially for the other boys who got picked as well, I just couldn’t be happier for everyone.’
Fagerson’s calf injury is relatively recent but he remained upbeat about his chances of returning to fitness relatively quickly.
Fagerson attacks with menace against the DHL Stormers during the 2021 tour of South Africa
Fagerson enjoys a water break with Louis Rees-Zammit and Chris Harris on the last Lions tour
‘It was just a training ground scrum,’ he explained. ‘We trained fully on the Monday, no issues. Then on the Tuesday I did a full session, scrums and mauls, lineouts, all plain sailing.
‘Then in the last scrum I felt as if one of the flankers had punched me in the calf and I thought, that’s a bit weird. So after the scrum, I turned around and said to the flanker, “What are you playing at?” He said, “I didn’t do anything”. I thought, “oh no”.
‘I tried to get up and that’s when it kicked in that I’d done it. I was absolutely gutted. First and foremost, I couldn’t contribute to the club and help in this finals run, but then, of course, the intrusive thoughts kick in and whatnot.
‘My plan was we’ll find out what it is, we’ll get a plan in place and stick to the plan. That’s the key thing. So, yeah, as I touched on, it’s a good plan. I’m pretty happy with it. So far, so good. Let’s keep doing what we’re doing.
‘I am really grateful to the (Lions) coaches for taking the chance on me. I’m doing all I can to come back and I’ll be back as soon as I can. I am working as hard as I can to make sure I can get back on the pitch and contribute.
‘There are so many good players just now playing well so just to be picked is even more special and puts a bit of fire in the belly to make sure I do all I can to get back quicker. No more cheap meals for me!
Fagerson was a key part of Glasgow’s United Rugby Championship winning side last year
Fagerson has amassed 73 Scotland caps since making his debut against England in 2016
‘I’m not going to say yes or no (to returning for Glasgow before the end of the season) because if I do or I don’t, it’ll get held against me. So, no, I’ll just say I’m working as hard as I can and I’ll be back soon.’
Ironically, it appears that injury did harm his brother Matt’s chance of joining him on the plane to Australia, although the back row was fiercely contested.
‘One hundred per cent (he would have been picked),’ said Fagerson. ‘I think he’s been playing some great rugby and, sadly, he picked up an injury as well.
‘I feel for the physios — two Fagersons in the physio department. He’s working really hard to come back as quickly as he can as well. And you never know, injuries happen. I think he’s done enough on the pitch to show what he’s capable of.
‘Hopefully he gets back soon and then he can let his rugby do the talking and we’ll see what happens.
‘I thought he’d snapped his leg (against Leinster). He didn’t, but it still wasn’t great. Ligaments aren’t very much fun.
Fagerson is one of four Glasgow stars called up, alongside Cummings, Jones and Tuipulotu
Father-of-four Fagerson with daughter Iona at the 2019 World Cup in Japan
‘But he’s grafting away and I’m putting him through his paces in the gym. He’s trying to keep up. Good fun.’
Despite Matt missing out, Warriors still supplied four players to the Lions squad, with Fagerson adding: ‘It’s a massive testament to the club, and to the coaches and the players as well, to what we’re building here.
‘It doesn’t matter how you play individually. It’s a team sport so the players around you have to help support that and help you keep growing and developing. One hundred per cent full credit to Franco Smith and the whole organisation for getting us all there.
‘I’m absolutely buzzing for the boys. I couldn’t have picked three better mates to go with, especially Scotty, who is one of my best mates. I’m absolutely over the moon for him. I know what he can do. And with the injury he had, that makes it even sweeter.
‘Full credit to Glasgow. They’re doing the right thing so let’s keep it going.’
