Wheeler decides to ‘put rugby second’

Press, 12 April 1984, Page 40

Wheeler decides to ‘put rugby second’

NZPA London England’s rugby captain, Peter Wheeler, pulled out of next month’s tour of South Africa yesterday because he decided it was finally time “to put rugby second” in his life — and his Leicester team-mate, Clive Woodward, immediately followed suit.

Wheeler, made captain at the start of this season, would have become England’s most capped hooker while in South Africa, overtaking John Pullin (42 caps). At 35 Wheeler admits that his distinguished career, which many people believe should have included leading the Lions, may be at an end.

"I cannot see much of an international future because a new hooker ought to be able to establish himself and be given his chance in England after the tour,” he

said. "I talked it all over with my family during the last two week-ends.

“Sometimes we thought ‘go’ and sometimes ‘stay,’ but there has been no pressure either way from them. Woodward, winner of 21 caps at centre, said yesterday: “I simply need a break from rugby after five successive summer tours.” Both Wheeler and Woodward, aged 28, were on the British Lions tour of South Africa in 1980, Wheeler playing in all four tests and Woodward two.

Woodward was also with the Lions in New Zealand last year, although he did not make the test team. Wheeler might have been there as well if he had been given the England captaincy earlier. < When Bill Beaumont had to retire in 1982, Wheeler was the favourite to take over, but instead the selec-

tors gave the job first to Steve Smith and then John Scott.

Scott, Cardiff’s captain, is still in the England team at No. 8, but it would be a surprise if he were reappointed.

There are no obvious choices because of Maurice Colclough’s retirement and Nigel Melville’s injury, Harlequin’s David Cooke, Bristol’s Mike Rafter and Gloucester’s Phil Blakeway must all come into the reckoning.

From the side that lost to Wales last month, England is now certain to be without Wheeler, Woodward, Colclough, Andy Dun, who has medical exams, and Rory Underwood, who is unavailable because of his R.A.F. training.

In addition, two schoolteachers, Steve Bainbridge and Les Cusworth, are doubtful.