Rugby-Australia-born Tuipulotu all in for the lions

(Reuters) -Melbourne -born Scotland Center Sione Tuipulotu says he is fully committed to the British and Irish Lions after being selected to tour Australia later this year. The 28-year-old man, who qualifies for Scotland by his grandmother, was one of the two players born in Australia to tour the country of their birth with Ireland winger Mack Hansen. “I really wanted to be a lion because I know how much it means to people here,” Tuipulotu told reporters in London. “I went in with Scotland. I just felt the better way of proving my allegiance to Scotland than going into everything and trying to make the Lions? That’s why it meant so much to me. ‘ In the early days do you have the feeling of ‘am I part of this?’ I feel like talking is one thing, but showing people how much it means with how I play is another. Of course, you get those feelings you want to prove yourself to. “The best way to do this is on the field and shows your dedication in that way.” Although he was far from unprecedented, Lions coach Andy Farrell criticized in some quarters because he chose seven players born, their rugby careers in the Southern Hemisphere began. Tuipulotu, who was Scotland against the Wallabies in November last year, said he understood that some fans would have discussions. “I don’t blame the people,” said Tuipulotu, who missed the Six Nations this year, but returned to his Glasgow club last weekend. “I didn’t grow up to dream of playing for Scotland or the Lions, that’s the truth. But this is where my path led me. I am all in for this Lions team, for Scotland and Glasgow. I really believe this is where I’m supposed to be. ‘ I led here for a reason. ‘The Lions play Argentina in Duplin on June 20 before three Tests and six tour matches in Australia, in June, July. MulVenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)