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Bath lock Nigel Redman's strongest quality was probably his fundamental love of the game, whether it be at club level or as part of the international scene. An appreciation of the wider benefits of playing rugby allowed him to enjoy a long career and to overcome the disappointment of not being selected for long periods of time. Indeed, Nigel's twenty caps were spread over thirteen years, starting with a debut at just 19 against Australia in 1984. England were probably the weakest of Australia's opponents during their Grand Slam tour and, despite holding the visitors to 3-3 at halftime, they eventually went down 19-3. Nigel then had to wait until 1986 for his next cap, a substitute appearance against Scotland, before playing in five matches of the 1987 season, including three in the inaugural World Cup.
Redman's opponents included Australia, against whom England put up a creditable performance, and Japan where he scored his only international try. However, when the Paul Ackford/Wade Dooley partnership became established from 1988 onwards, Nigel's England appearances were infrequent, though he did make the squad for the 1991 World Cup, playing against Italy and the USA. His next cap would see arguably his best performance for England, a start earned against New Zealand in 1993 which resulted in a 15-9 victory. With Wade Dooley retired, Nigel played in four matches in 1994 including two on tour in South Africa. The second test in Cape Town seemed to be his last, but in 1997 big Nige enjoyed something of a late renaissance to his career. Indeed, he earned selection for England's tour to Argentina and after the first test was flown out to South Africa as a replacement for the British Lions. It was an honour justly earned, and Redman then rounded off his career against Australia in Sydney, the team he had made his debut against. (Jon Collins)
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