The 37-year-old Abu Dhabi Harlequins player made his UAE debut at the Asia Rugby Championships a year ago and was a part of Apollo Perelini’s 25-man squad this time around too.
With his career drawing to a close then, it was cruel that a little injury in the lead-up to this year’s Division II tournament a few weeks ago meant he missed out on any game time in Uzbekistan.
Winning his first international caps in his late thirties, however, has made him the toast of his friends and family back home – which is some feat considering his older brother Josh played 55 times for England and won three caps for the British & Irish Lions.
“It was always my ambition to play for Wales when I was younger. Unfortunately it didn’t happen so I’ll settle for the UAE,” said Lewsey.
“Last year, when I made my debut, the reaction back home was comical really. They (friends and family) were pleased for me and it has since created a bit of sibling rivalry because I’m one of three brothers.
“Tom, the eldest, played for London Welsh for many years, but he’s now ostracized because he’s the only one without an international cap.”
With the UAE now promoted to Division I of the ARC after convincing wins against Uzbekistan and Thailand in Tashkent last weekend, Lewsey will be hoping he can still be involved when the tournament comes round again in 12 months.
There’s also one final achievement he’s desperate to make happen before he hangs up the boots – play a game on the same side as his two siblings.
He said: “One thing I’d love to do which we’ve never done is for all three to play in the same team. There’s been a few chances but it still hasn’t happened, so we’d like to do that before we get too old.
“After the UAE dream, I think that might be the final chapter of my career. That would be great but the chances are getting less frequent because of where we all live (Tom lives in Sydney) so I suppose the Dubai Sevens might be the best venue. That would be a good way to sign off.”
Lewsey and Jebel Ali Dragons forward Paul Hart, 38, were the elder statesman of the touring party this year and with the standard of players in the UAE Premiership and those becoming available to UAE performance manager Apollo Perelini increasing, Lewsey is aware time is running out.
Although he fears his chances of further appearances in the UAE jersey might be fading, Lewsey is delighted to have re-ignited his career after he had almost given up rugby when moving to the Emirates five years ago.
“It definitely feels like there may not be too many more chances,” said Lewsey. “When I first came to the UAE I didn’t think I’d be playing international rugby, that’s for sure. I really should have retired at 28 but here I am a few years later.
“I thought my playing days were done but my body felt OK and I missed the social scene with rugby too. It’s a good way to make friends and exercise. I quickly found the rugby club (Quins). A few years later, to tour Malaysia was an honour and real privilege I’m really grateful for.
“I love the game, played it my whole life, I’ve been institutionalized so don’t think I’d really know what to do at the weekends without it.
“I will have to face that reality at some point, the training, playing and recovery gets harder the older you get, but I’ve still got hunger for the game.
“Age is a sad reality but as long as my body feels alright I’ll always turn out for the club or whoever. I’ve still got a hunger although at some stage I will have to face the fact I’m not 24 anymore.”
