Shane Williams’ column: Lee Byrne paid heavy price for chasing Euro glory
However, a move to France, albeit hugely successful from a personal point of view, effectively cost him his international career. I’ve spoken to Lee this week and he is gutted that he has had to retire from rugby due to injury.
I know he was really determined to do well at Newport Gwent Dragons this season on his return from France, especially after he was made captain.
I honestly believe he has still had an impact on that young squad, for guys like Hallam Amos and Tom Prydie. But unfortunately it has been more behind the scenes than on the pitch.
That’s a real shame because in 2008 and 2009, he was not only one of the best players in Britain but in the world.
He had one of the biggest kicks I’ve ever seen. At training, perhaps only Gavin Henson could compete with what Lee himself branded, the ‘Siege Gun’.
It was a great tool for both Ospreys and Wales. In fact it was a godsend at times when you were trapped inside your own half to have a guy who could hammer the ball 60 or 70 metres up field.
He was a big part of the Grand Slam in 2008 and was first choice on the Lions tour to South Africa a year later, but was injured in the first Test. Then the rise of Leigh Halfpenny and George North didn’t help him.
I can’t recall there ever being an argument between Lee or Warren Gatland and Lee wasn’t the sort of player to publicly criticise coaches. But with North bursting onto the scene on the wing, Leigh was shifted to full-back and that meant Lee was elbowed aside.
Then he made the decision to go to France and join Clermont-Auvergne after the 2011 World Cup – and he never played for Wales again. It’s a warning.
I would have loved to see him stay at the Ospreys but there was good money on offer and from a playing point of view, he was joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. He really enjoyed his time there but in hindsight, it didn’t help his international career.
He was playing so well, as part of a star-studded team that won the French Championship and reached the Heineken Cup final, that I don’t think anyone would doubt that he was still good enough to play for Wales. But when there were two guys of equal ability, Warren Gatland went for the younger player in Halfpenny, who was on his doorstep.
Halfpenny was literally down the road, they could work with him every week. But it hurt Lee that he wasn’t being selected for Wales, as it would anyone, and that was difficult for him.
Then I suspect he pushed himself; psychologically he was probably trying to prove a point.
Lee was a physical player but the French chairmen want their money’s worth. The reality is that if you go to France, especially for a good salary, then you’re going to play a lot of rugby.
Lee was played a lot by Clermont and was often seen coming off bloodied or holding his shoulder. Physically, those three years took a big toll.
Moving to France is not all pound-signs, sunshine and glamour. You are expected to earn your euros by playing a lot of very physical rugby. So players need to be aware of the choices they make and the potential repercussions.
I can understand players heading to big clubs like Toulon, Racing-Metro or Northampton Saints. They want to be playing big games and competing for silverware. And they also want to experience something new. But if they still have ambitions of playing for Wales, there are tough choices to be made.
