England captain winks at Wales legend as he walked off pitch for tackling him. Scott Quinnell shared the story while on Lawrence Dallaglio’s podcast. Quinnell recalled the incident when he was sent off for a late tackle on the former England captain Dallaglio. The Wales No. 8 was red-carded during a match between Richmond and Wasps in October 1998 at Loftus Road after a tackle that caught Dallaglio late and dangerously.
Quinnell was handed a 14-day ban for the tackle, although the ban was later overturned, allowing him to participate in the 28-20 defeat against South Africa at Wembley. The player joked about the red card incident, mentioning he told the referee he arrived as quickly as he could post the late tackle. During the Stick to Rugby podcast, he humorously recounted the details of the tackle, including Dallaglio’s reaction after being tackled by Quinnell.
Quinnell narrated how he was trying to charge down a kick from Dallaglio but had cramps in his shoulder and elbow. After the tackle, Dallaglio winked and smiled at Quinnell as he was shown the red card. Tom Shanklin, former Wales international, compared Dallaglio’s response to Tom Williams, who famously winked during the Bloodgate scandal. Dallaglio joked about his actions, likening them to Paolo Di Canio’s infamous moment and claiming he deserved a Bafta for it.
The banter continued as Quinnell suggested comedian Ricky Gervais would have mocked Dallaglio for his wink. The light-hearted exchange highlighted the camaraderie and humour in rugby despite the competitive nature of the sport. The incident serves as a reminder of the sportsmanship and bonding that transcends the on-field rivalries between players from different nations.
The podcast discussion brought back memories of an eventful chapter in both players’ careers, showcasing the lighter side of rugby beyond the intense matches and fierce competition. The banter between Quinnell and Dallaglio demonstrated the mutual respect and friendship that exists among rugby players, even in moments of conflict on the field.
This story serves as a humorous anecdote in the history of rugby, illustrating the relationship between players from rival teams and nations. While competitive spirit drives players to give their best on the field, moments like these show the camaraderie and respect that underpin the sport. As fans, it’s these glimpses behind the scenes that remind us of the human side of our sporting heroes, adding depth and character to their on-field personas.