Rugby star Michael Hooper plays chauffeur for a lucky superfan
The Advertiser29-07-2025
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through.
In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts.
After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels.
Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur.
Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception.
From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember.
Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper.
"It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper.
"To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye."
Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget."
Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour.
Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more.
To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes.
The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders.
This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar.
Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour.
"As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific.
"We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead."
Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at ihg.com/lionstour2025.
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- The Age
The bizarre inclusion in Tourism Australia's new ad for China
This week Tourism Australia launched the second phase of its global 'Come and say G'day' tourism campaign, starring CGI kangaroo Ruby and various celebrities from Gen Z's version of Paul Hogan, Bob Irwin, to British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, Indian influencer Sara Tendulkar (daughter of cricketing legend Sachin) and Chinese actor Yosh Yu. So far, so normal. The ads feature all the typical stuff you see in Tourism Australia campaigns – stunning landscapes, wildlife, the Sydney Opera House and a good dose of humour. But there's one attraction that I don't believe has ever featured in an Australian tourism campaign before and its blink-and-you'll-miss-it inclusion seems rather unusual. During the Chinese version of the ad (watch it below), there's a scene of Yosh Yu enjoying a spectacular display from the southern lights, or the aurora australis.
Canberra Times
9 hours ago
- Canberra Times
Svitolina blames bettors for hateful online abuse
Earlier this year, British player Katie Boulter said she had received death threats during the French Open targeting her and her family, while the WTA and ITF called on betting companies to do more to stem the flood of online abuse players face on social media.
