Ospreys and Wales hooker Scott Baldwin has been branded “pretty stupid” by his own head coach after missing yesterday’s 44-25 defeat to the Cheetahs after being bitten by a lion in South Africa.
The incident happened during the week as the Welsh international and his teammates visited the Weltevreden Game Lodge in Bloemfontein, but a video of the bite only came to light last night.
In the clip, released by former Leicester Tigers outhalf Andy Goode, Baldwin can be seen stroking the lion as if it was a house cat and then things take a turn for the worst.
The lion raises his head and proceeds to let Baldwin know exactly who the boss is. After the bite, the video then shows staff at the private wild life reserve calling for first aid to be given to the hooker.
After initially not revealing why Baldwin was unavailable for yesterday’s Pro14 tie, Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy later confirmed that the lion bite was indeed the reason for the player’s absence from the team.
“There was an incident with a lion, but in fairness it was nothing to do with the lion,” said Tandy.
“He did bite Scott but when you put your hand in a fence where there is a lion, then you will get bitten. It was pretty stupid on Scott’s behalf and he is pretty lucky.
“I don’t know what sort of wildlife show Scott has been watching where you can pat a lion on the head as if it’s a kitten. It’s probably one of the silliest things I’ve ever been involved in.”
Tandy also confirmed that Baldwin needed a “couple of stitches” on the wound, however he’s is expected to return to action in a few weeks.
The hooker has since taken to Twitter to apologise for the incident:
1/3 Sorry all Ospreys fans for letting you and the team down by missing the game through the bite!
— scott baldwin (@scottbaldwin2) September 30, 2017
2/3 should of know he wouldn't be impressed with me stroking his lioness before introducing myself to him first @AndyGoode10 #MyBad ✋? pic.twitter.com/cSclBsvS72
— scott baldwin (@scottbaldwin2) September 30, 2017
3/3 and for those asking my hand in on the mend thankfully & should be up & running round soon enough thanks for your support & concern ?
— scott baldwin (@scottbaldwin2) September 30, 2017
Just when you think you’ve seen it all in sport this pops up! You can watch the incident for yourself below, but be warned it’s not for the faint of heart:
Split the posts with Pro14 punts on PaddyPower.comStroke the Lion it'll be fine they said! Here's @scottbaldwin2 petting a lion like it's a pet cat! pic.twitter.com/Y95FObGeJ5
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) September 29, 2017
