17-05-2025
It's folly to shield players from non-Test matches — for Lions and hosts
One day, the British & Irish Lions will give themselves the best chance of winning the Test series. They will gain some recompense for saving rugby in the host countries from bankruptcy, which they always do. It is shameful that, yet again, they have not done so and that so many games on tour could be devalued.
Last time the Lions went to Australia, in 2013, Australian rugby was broke. They freely admitted the Lions would be bailing them out — with the TV rights, large crowds, the sea of red supporters that follow them and the boost in national interest in the sport.
The benefits extend. During the forthcoming tour, the arrogance of the NRL in Australia will be in abeyance, because the rugby
