Ben White's Last-Minute Lions Call-Up: A Dream Come True

Ben White's Journey to the Lions

Toulon scrum-half Ben White experienced a whirlwind of emotions after receiving a late call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad. The 27-year-old was initially preparing to play for Scotland when he got the unexpected news.

The Call That Changed Everything

White received the call from Lions head coach Andy Farrell after Wales' Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Western Force in Perth. The injury occurred just after Williams scored a try in the 54-7 victory.

From Scotland to the Lions

At the time of the call, White was at the Scotland training camp in Whangarei, New Zealand, gearing up for summer matches against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji, and Samoa.

"It's pretty crazy," White told Scottish Rugby. "I don't think it's quite sunk in yet to be honest. He called me this morning - about an hour ago - and I just haven't stopped shaking since. It's an incredible honour. I'm really excited."

Overcoming Initial Disappointment

White admitted that it was tough to watch the original Lions squad announcement, knowing he hadn't made the cut. However, he used that experience as motivation to perform well for his club, Toulon.

"But it was an experience that I can put in the locker," he said. "I just knew I had to just do what I could and try to play well for my club, Toulon."

A Dream Realized

White immediately phoned his parents to share the news. "I don't think they could quite believe it," he said. "They were obviously just incredibly proud. It was a great phone call to have. It's something you dream of but you never really think you'll do."

Joining the Lions Squad

White's inclusion brings the number of Scottish players in the 38-strong Lions squad back up to eight, following the withdrawal of forward Zander Fagerson due to injury.

"Obviously there's a fair few Scottish boys in the squad and it'll be great to see those boys as well as also meeting the players that I don't know too well," he said.

Immediate Travel Plans

Just two minutes after Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend congratulated him, White was informed he had a noon flight to Australia. Townsend now faces the challenge of preparing for Saturday's match against the Maori All Blacks without his first-choice scrum-half.

"It was an honour to be called up to play for Scotland and to be here in New Zealand was amazing and I was really looking forward to three big test matches," White added. "But the squad that we have here is amazing and I know that they'll they're going to go well against the Maori at the weekend. It's going to be a great game for us and I think we've trained really well, so it'll be exciting to see how we go and I'll be watching for sure."