CJ, A Colossus

Picture from the Munster Rugby Website

A bullock transfers from the velds of South Africa,

An Afrikaner, home town George.

Cultivating the land a family tradition,

“Too small” he’s informed for the “Bulls” or “Boks,”

Munster observe the potential for growth.

A roster of legends block the imports advance,

Quinny, Wally, Leamy plus young indigenous talent.

The benevolent “Godfather” Axel,

Tucks the unassuming rookie under a wing,

Moulding the young tryo, helping with his English, well…maybe.

Patience needed, an apprenticeship to serve,

Total commitment never questioned.

Carrying for hard yards the signature move,

No attempt to sidestep, just bulling right through,

Uncompromisingly, as Springbok’s typically do.

Five coaches call the shots during a glittering career.

Dumper, Penny, Axel, then two fellow Boks,

Axel's death comes with an emotional cost.

Shy unassuming off the pitch, on…

A fierce serial winner of Man of the Match.

Selected by Joe Schmidt to answer Ireland’s call,

Great pride, the Irish green jersey isn’t betrayal at all.

Not in agreement, cowardly keyboard “weaklings.”

Disgustingly trolls overstep the mark,

Wife Jean-Marie targeted by outrageous remarks.

CV of 6 Nations and Grand Slam,

A series win in Australia,

Two wins over the “All Blacks.”

Generations of Irish players couldn’t manage one!

Club, country and Lions “Caps,” to reflect upon.

What a fitting exit, downing England’s chariot,

CJ engulfed by three massive “Yeomen,”

“Christ he’s dead…nope,”

Up he pops, eyes a-twinkle with an impish grin…proper hard.

This proud Irish Bok, getting out while on top.

Munster and Ireland to miss their Rainbow Warrior.

Emotion flows like the Shannon through Castleconnell,

Triggered by loves post-match “FaceTime” call,

Family, life values, rugby will no-longer intrude.

Proving, the best things, “small” packages, Munster Abú.

The End.

John Twohig

Twitter john_twohig