Freddie Burns was 18 months into his initial contract with Leicester Tigers when he received unexpected news: he was being transferred to another club.
The announcement came in what was typically a lighthearted environment, making it all the more surprising.
Now plying his trade in Japan, Burns, who once donned the England jersey as fly-half, came close to toppling the All Blacks on their home soil nearly a decade ago.
“The main thing I have learned in my career is it’s never personal,” he said on the latest episode of the RugbyPass Offload podcast.
“At Leicester last time I got sacked over lemon and herb chicken and spicy rice.
“I still had a year and a half on my contract and Simon Cohen, who was CEO of Leicester at the time, said, ‘Can I meet you for a Nandos?’ I said, ‘Nandos on the CEO? I don’t mind if I do’. Spicy rice, lemon and herb chicken, had one mouthful. He went, ‘Fred, we want to get rid of you.’ ‘What? I think I need to go and get a refill.’ There was me standing by the fizzy drinks machine wailing: ‘I’m getting sacked.’
“At the time it hurts but you look back and this is a business now. When a player leaves fans talk about where is the loyalty and all this stuff but that is gone from the game and one thing that has to change in rugby is you get a lot of people in the game preaching about family clubs and loyalty and respect and all this – but at the end of the day it is business.”
Burns went on to describe the industry as “dog-eat-dog” and assured he now encourages his agent to seek out potential opportunities way ahead of time, even when things are running smoothly.
“In an ideal world, you’d like to think a coach would tell you in October, November: ‘Listen, you’re not in our plans next season, start looking for another club,'” he added. “But that unfortunately is not the way it goes. Until they get the target they want over the line they are going to keep you just as an insurance policy. That is not me complaining or getting on my violin out, that is just how it is.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”