Waldrom played in Leicester Tigers 27-26 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Saturday and was simply expecting to review the Aviva Premiership match with Richard Cockerill.
But no sooner had Cockerill called him in to the office at 10.30am on Monday morning then he was packing his bags to fly out to New Zealand as cover for Nick Easter, who is suffering from a sore back.
“It wasn’t what I was expecting when I went into Cockers’ office,” said Waldrom after arriving at Dunedin Airport. “I just thought we were going to talk about the game but he said ‘go and sort out stuff at home and then you are on a plane to New Zealand’.”
Less than three hours later - having said goodbye to wife Emma, son Troy and his nine-week old brother Kade - “I’m afraid I left a bit of mess for the missus!” - Waldrom was in a taxi to Heathrow and ready to step up to the plate if England team manager Martin Johnson requires.
Waldrom, who was part of England’s 45-man Rugby World Cup Preliminary Squad, spent several hours on the flight studying his ‘playbook’.
He said: “It’s just a case of being out here; it’s up to Johno what he wants and how Nick’s injury comes along. I’ll just have to sit and wait but it’s one of those things you have to do.
"Cockers knows what an opportunity it is if I do get into the squad and big thanks to the Tigers.”
Waldrom watched England’ victories over Argentina and Georgia and said: “England have had a solid start – everyone knows there has been a few mistakes but I can see what they are trying to do – and I’m sure it’ll build over the next few weeks.”
