A Message To New Zealand & The Travelling Lions Supporters

Thank you.

Much has been said about the New Zealand media and their treatment of the Lions, but not a whole lot has been written about the people. I spent almost a month down south, returning yesterday, and I can’t commend the local fans and the Lions supporters enough.

It was an amazing tour and it truly is an incredible country. The people were so welcoming, the food was excellent and the beers went down a treat. Travelling around in a camper-van across the north island is an experience I will never forget. Everywhere you go there’s an activity that’s a must, and a Kiwi waiting with open arms upon arrival.

As for the Lions supporters, give yourselves a pat on the back. To see four countries who only a few months back were bitter rivals competing for the Six Nations  become one, is truly something special that is unique to our great sport. One minute your on a train singing the Fields of Athenry, the next Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. And of course there’s usually a Scot floating about waiting to belt out Flower of Scotland.

Hearing the Maro Itoje chant ring out in Eden Park and the Westpac Stadium, and the Lions hijack the All Blacks pre-game chant was spine-tingling. A tour I will never forget and one I will cherish for as long as I live.

See you in 12 years New Zealand, it’s been a blast.