Scrap the Lions? Only the selfish want that
There are people in rugby who, for their own selfish reasons or agendas, want to get rid of the Lions. I find that amazing.
These narrow-minded people back in the UK want the Lions itinerary reduced or even scrapped altogether.
I don’t know whether I’ll ever be involved again but I am passionate about the Lions. As Sam Warburton said at the final press conference of the New Zealand tour: it’s the pinnacle.
There have been great matches all the way through the tour, finished off by three epic Tests. It’s been a huge boost to the New Zealand economy and the Lions brand.
So many fans must have been saving and planning this trip for years. It could be with their father, son, mother, daughter, brother, sister, other relatives or good friends. These are huge days in their lives.
One supporter shook my hand the morning after the third Test and said: ‘Gats, thanks for last night. I had the best night of my life!’ how cool is that?
We should be doing everything we can to give the Lions more time and better preparation in order to protect the tours.
But there are individuals out there, whether it’s chief executives or club owners, thinking about their own interests. That is perfectly understandable. But not enough people are fighting for the Lions.
Once every four years is the right time to tour, as is once every 12 years in one of the three southern hemisphere countries — it generally limits players to one opportunity against the Lions. It’s the biggest event outside the World Cup.
You think about what this tour has meant for the players and the fans. If we were to lose the Lions, it would be a sad indictment of the game.