Freddie Burns kicked Leicester Tigers to their first premiership title in nine years at Twickenham today.
The thirty-two-year-old flyhalf has had a rather unorthodox career having made his England debut as a substitute in 2012 at the age of twenty-two playing a key role in England’s impressive 38 – 21 victory over New Zealand.
Unfortunately for Burns however he would only go on to win four more caps as he was left out in the international wilderness.
Along the way there has been plenty of ups and downs, having made his senior professional for Gloucester in 2010 before stints with his hometown Bath and of course Leicester.
With international ambitions seemingly pushed aside, Burns took the bold move of signing for Japanese side Toyota Industries. Unfortunately for Burns his Japanese experience was short lived due to the covid-19 pandemic.
When it was announced that he was returning to Leicester to primarily back up George Ford, few would have seen him as being the man to land the winning drop kick in a Premiership final.
Now forever immortalised as a Tigers legend, the emotion in Burns voice as he spoke after the match was a real reminder of just how much professional players put into their careers.
Opening with the line "I'm all cried out, I need to top up on my fluids with some champagne and cider" Burns epitomised everything that is great about the sport and reminded fans just why he has been so popular as a rugby character over the years.
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