Ryan Lamb: The Gunslinger

Ryan Lamb, the former Gloucester and England fly-half known as the 'Gunslinger,' reflects on a career defined by flamboyant play, volatile relationships with coaches, and a relentless refusal to conform. At just 20, he helped guide Gloucester to the Premiership Final, but his unorthodox style—epitomized by his infamous 'I thought rugby was quite easy' quote—often clashed with authority. He recounts being fired by Dean Ryan after a high-stakes win over Bristol, only to later return to play under him at Worcester, revealing a complex, love-hate dynamic where criticism was both a weapon and a form of mentorship. Lamb’s journey from being labeled a 'ticking time bomb' to becoming a director of rugby at Plymouth Albion shows a man who thrives on chaos but now channels it into coaching with emotional honesty and a deep respect for the game’s soul. He argues that modern rugby has lost its narrative-driven drama, and champions the idea that the best rugby is played not in the middle of the field, but in your own 22—where risk and creativity can strike the hardest. Today, he’s not chasing the top table, but building a family-oriented club culture where he’s in control, emotionally invested, and finally at peace.