So Long, Farewell

After Sean Long landed back in Blighty on Tuesday and was quickly led away by a St Helens official, the British media were still pondering what actually happened as the Lions returned to their Sydney base after the defeat in Wellington.


As the official line of "personal problems" is still maintained by the GB management, a line supported by the need to be with his expecting wife, rumours of mid-air shenanigans on the flight from New Zealand still persist.

But in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Long claimed that his decision to leave the Tri-Nations early had nothing to do with the alleged drinking or gambling incidents, but was due to him believing that he had "nothing left to offer" the Great Britain side.
The man-of-the-match in the victory over Australia in Sydney reverted back to his usual GB standard in the 34-4 thumping at the hands of the Kiwi's and now it seems that the 30 year old has had enough.

So for Long, it will remain just one Test standard performance in eight years of International rugby. After making his debut in the 1998 series against the Kiwi's, Long has been consistently floundered once he comes up against notable opposition. The pin-point kicking game, clinical passing and devastating support play that has made him a favourite at Knowsley Road suddenly go AWOL as soon as he steps out into the International arena.

It also emerges on BBC Radio Five tonight that Long has retired from "tour rugby", effectively ending his International career.

At least now, Great Britain can move forward. Talented individuals such as Hull's Richard Horne, given the Number 7 shirt for Saturday's must win clash in Brisbane and Rob Burrow of Leeds will be handed their chance whilst Salford's Luke Robinson and of course, Lee Briers will be waiting for their chance come 2007 and for the 2008 World Cup.

It is of course, a far from ideal end for Long's International career but like Keiron Cunningham who announced his International retirement before him, few will bemoan the loss of a Great Briton.