The Edinburgh backrower was left out as clubmates Hamish Watson, Rory Sutherland and Duhan van der Merwe were among eight Scots named in the Lions party for the South Africa trip.
Ritchie, 24, was on a long-list of players to receive an email about his availability, but was ultimately overlooked in favour of other blind-side options in Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and Iain Henderson and England’s Courtney Lawes.
“Leading up to that I just thought it was nice to be in the mix; it was pretty cool to get the email and have people chatting about you,” he recalled.
“But as the day grew closer and closer, I started to think, ‘I really want to go’. Then on the day a few names came up, but I wasn’t picked. I was really disappointed.”
Ritchie spoke to Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and defence coach Steve Tandy, both members of the Lions staff involved in the selection, about his omission.
There was solace of sorts in their feedback – it is safe to assume he will be a prime contender for a call-up if any of the chosen flankers suffer injury – plus an unexpected invitation from Townsend.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stade are heading in right direction
IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.
All my energy is going into Beziers
IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.
