Just on the verge of turning 23-years-old, Fin Smith has been handed the ultimate birthday present after learning he has been selected by Andy Farrell as part of the illustrious British and Irish Lions squad, ahead of the eagerly anticipated tour of Australia.
On Thursday the squad was officially released to the world for the first time, having been closely guarded by the top brass and known by only a select few members of Farrell’s camp.
Even the players had not been briefed prior, as each of the hopefuls found out during the live squad announcement along with fans and pundits alike.
Smith, plying his trade for Northampton Saints and the England national team, has been given the nod after emerging onto the rugby landscape as one of the brighest young talents in the game.
Speaking recently to Georgie Ainslie on the Ainslie + Ainslie performance people podcast, ahead of the Lions squad launch, Smith detailed his hopes for the upcoming tour and his determination to fulfil a long-term ambition – even though he had not initially seen himself as a player being in contention for selection.
Smith said: “It’s so weird, it’s just so unfamiliar… I’ve never really thought about potentially being in contention for the Lions until just after the Six Nations when people were like ‘oh, you might have a chance now!’, and then you really go from not having thought about it to being like ‘ah I’m going to be pretty nervous when the announcement’s happening’.
“I’m trying to prepare for the worst and if the best happens then how good!”
Smith has now been dealt the best case scenario, after being handed the famous red shirt and the weight of expectation that comes with it.
The British and Irish Lions however is something which very much runs in the family for Smith.
Smith’s grandfather formerly played for the Lions on the biggest stage – an achievement held in high esteem within the family.
Smith, who chose to play for England despite both his parents being Scottish, joked: “At least my Dad could cheer for me this time if I’m playing for the Lions!”
He added: “We were up seeing my granny not too long ago and she’s still got all of his [Smith’s grandfather’s] Lions outfits and the blazer and the cap and those things.
“I used to run around in those when I was a little lad, so it would be pretty special to have some of my stuff next to his.”
Smith described this year’s Six Nations, where he had his first start for England, as “an intense bubble”.
“It’s exhausting mentally and physically,” he said. Despite the demanding environment, Smith said it was “the most positive rugby memory of my entire life.
“I absolutely loved it,” he continued.
“I was so proud to play for my country, it’s literally what you dream of.”
The British and Irish Lions tour officially gets underway and rolling from June 20, when Farrell’s men lock horns with Argentina in the first of the pre-test matches at the Aviva Stadium.