Experienced England prop, Dan Cole, opens up about his participation in one of the most embarrassing World Cups in sporting history. As he prepares for his fourth global tournament, Cole reflects on the lessons he learned and the mistakes he made along the way.
A Shameful History: Mike Tindall's Stag Do
Cole recounts his involvement in the infamous "Mike Tindall's stag do" during the 2011 World Cup. The trip to New Zealand turned into a debacle, with Manu Tuilagi's detainment and England players indulging in dwarf-tossing at a local pub in Queenstown.
A Nightmare Final in 2019
In 2019, England suffered a devastating loss in the World Cup final, and Cole had a personal nightmare on the field. As a substitute for Kyle Sinckler, he faced a brutal challenge at the scrums against South Africa and never played under former boss Eddie Jones again.
The Lessons Learned
Looking back at his experiences, Cole emphasizes the importance of maturity and focus during World Cups. He admits that as a young player in 2011, he got caught up in the excitement and failed to fully grasp the significance of the tournament. However, he has since learned from his mistakes and is determined to approach future World Cups with purpose and commitment.
Cole acknowledges the invaluable lessons he gained from what not to do, rather than what to do. He emphasizes the importance of trust within the squad, as any slip-ups can have severe consequences for a player's career.
A New Beginning
Following the 2019 World Cup, Cole doubted his rugby future until the arrival of Steve Borthwick and fitness guru Aled Walters at Leicester. Their influence and motivation helped him reclaim his place in the England squad, culminating in his 100th cap against Ireland in March. Cole acknowledges the drive to prove himself and the ability to switch off and rejuvenate, particularly in the face of challenges.
In conclusion, Dan Cole's journey through World Cups has been filled with regrettable moments and valuable lessons. As he enters his fourth global tournament, he hopes to leave behind the shame of the past and lead England to success on rugby's biggest stage.
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