Latest news with #MichaelHooper
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Without AFL and NRL, the Wallabies wouldn't lose a game'
Third Test: Australia v British and Irish LionsDate: Saturday 2 August Venue: Accor Stadium Kick-off: 11:00 BSTCoverage: Live text commentary and post-match analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC iPlayer and online It's been one of the hottest topics of conversation in Australia during this Lions tour. How much does rugby union matter here?The fact it is a minority sport in Australia is nothing new. The Wallabies are used to fighting for their place in a congested sporting with the National Rugby League expanding, Australian Rules Football baked into the fabric of society, and the Wallabies struggling to capture the hearts and minds of a fickle public, it feels as though the sport is under pressure like never is hope, in both the medium and long term, with the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups coming down the track. When you factor in the Lions tour and the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, it is a golden in the short term, the stirring backs-to-the-wall performance in the second Test in Melbourne showed there is plenty of life in Wallaby rugby."We are fair weather fans in this country," explains Australian great Michael Hooper, speaking to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast in the shadow of the Sydney Opera House."We love a winner and we love supporting teams that show up with what we see as being Australian and that's showing up with a bit of grit, showing up and being competitive." For Hooper, consistency is now key. For too long the Wallabies have flattered to deceive, losing matches and losing fans. The MCG performance needs to be a line in the sand. Sydney this weekend matters."I think they've shown that they can perform on the biggest stage in our country," adds Hooper."Probably a criticism is, and this was a criticism during my time through the Wallabies, is the inconsistencies that we have. We're able to lay out a really good performance, then a not so good performance."What we want to see in the next two years [before the World Cup] is just a consistent improvement, a trend upwards, and you don't see these valleys and troughs we have seen over the past decade and a bit."You are a very lucky player if you get to have a home World Cup, and these guys are going to get to do that." 'No reason why the Wallabies can't be a force' Queensland Reds assistant coach Jon Fisher has been working in Brisbane for the past 18 months as he forges an impressive coaching career following a playing journey which included stints at London Irish, Northampton, and says union manages to fight its corner remarkably well considering the competition. There are 16 professional teams from Australia in the NRL, while there are 18 pro teams in the AFL. This is compared to four professional rugby union franchises."In my experience, from what I see day to day, Australian rugby union is in fantastic health, when you are on the ground here and you experience the true reality of the [size of the] AFL and rugby league," he tells Rugby Union Weekly."The club game here is in rude health. You just have these two other sports that are thicker in the blood [of the Australian sporting public]."There are a lot of reasons why it's challenging for the Wallabies, of course it is. But with the quality of player they have got - and yes they don't have the depth of South Africa, France or England - there is no reason why they can't be a force."The mentality will shift at some point."There is no doubt, however, that many of the best, biggest and most skilful athletes at the grassroots don't end up playing rugby union."If you go down to the Gabba or the Suncorp Stadium and watch the Brisbane Broncos or Brisbane Lions play, you see in this country the amount of talent playing those two sports," Fisher explained."There are 50 to 100 guys playing in the AFL and rugby league who if they were brought up in the northern hemisphere would be playing rugby union."It's a terrifying prospect. If rugby league and AFL didn't exist in this country, I think the Wallabies would be hard pressed to ever lose a game." 'The Lions will be back' Prop Nick Stiles played through a golden era of Wallaby rugby at the turn of the century, including in all three Tests in 2001 as Australia beat the Lions in one of the great has since enjoyed a storied coaching and management career in Queensland, Japan, and with the Melbourne Rebels."It's a massive threat to the future of rugby, the money the AFL and NRL have, to target the youth and get the kids well before they become a rugby fan," he explains."That's what we are finding at the moment."The lack of hype around this Lions series, and the lack of belief in Australian rugby from top to bottom, was manifested in a meek first-Test showing in Brisbane, a source of frustration for former Wallabies like all the talk of development and progression, and long-term building, there is a nagging feeling this Lions tour has been a missed opportunity for the sport here."When the Wallabies do win, and they get on winning runs, you can just see the energy of the fans as they come out and support the team," added Stiles."I am concerned about what the ramifications of a whitewash will have to the Australian fan. There has been so much build-up towards this golden generation."This is a window we have to get right. We have got to grab it. That is the concern if this is a whitewash."But despite the flatness of the tour matches, and the lack of fervour compared to rugby hotbeds like South Africa and New Zealand, there is little doubt the Lions will be back in Australia money generated, the incredible stadiums and the greatness of Australia as a sporting country all ensure this."I think the good thing with rugby is that history is important," Stiles says."I know there's been a bit of talk about the Lions not coming back in 12 years, but I just think that there's too much history involved for that to fall away."So I don't see that happening at all. It's too big a beast for it to fall away in 12 years' time."The tour belatedly exploded into life in Melbourne, an epic match in a magnificent stadium, with talking points and controversy aplenty. And while this Saturday may be a dead rubber, there is plenty on the Lions are desperate to seal their legacy and make history by winning 3-0, while the Wallabies have little time to waste if the golden decade is going to propel the sport back into the public consciousness by 2027."If you get to put on your country's colours. It always matters," adds Hooper."I love this country and the passion that it has for sport. There is no question this country is hungry for sport and hungry for sport at the highest level."[The 2027 World Cup] is one of the biggest events in the world and we get to have it here in two years, and you can't help but get swept up in that."
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hooper - 'Wallabies need to grieve and then move on'
Former Australia captain Michael Hooper says the Wallabies have to move on from the controversial end to last weekend's decisive second Test, and hopes their performance in Melbourne can act as a line in the sand ahead of a home World Cup in 2027. Speaking to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast in Sydney today, Hooper reflected on the call from the officials not to penalise Jac Morgan ahead of Hugo Keenan's winning try. "It's the game right. But these things happen and if being a player teaches you anything it's that you have to move on," he said. "I hope the Wallabies have had a couple of days just to grieve, get it over with, and to get mentally prepared to bring it this week." Despite the series defeat by the Lions, Hooper hopes the Wallabies can start to gain some consistency going forward, and get the Australian sporting public back in love with the national side. "We are fair weather fans in this country. We love a winner and we love teams that show up with what we see as being Australian, which is showing up with a bit of grit and being competitive," he added. "What we want to see in the next two years [before the World Cup] is just a consistent improvement, a trend upwards, and you don't see these valleys and troughs we have seen over the past decade and a bit. "You are a very lucky player if you get to have a home World Cup, and these guys are going to get to do that."
BBC News
29-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Hooper - 'Wallabies need to grieve and then move on'
Former Australia captain Michael Hooper says the Wallabies have to move on from the controversial end to last weekend's decisive second Test, and hopes their performance in Melbourne can act as a line in the sand ahead of a home World Cup in to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast in Sydney today, Hooper reflected on the call from the officials not to penalise Jac Morgan ahead of Hugo Keenan's winning try."It's the game right. But these things happen and if being a player teaches you anything it's that you have to move on," he said. "I hope the Wallabies have had a couple of days just to grieve, get it over with, and to get mentally prepared to bring it this week."Despite the series defeat by the Lions, Hooper hopes the Wallabies can start to gain some consistency going forward, and get the Australian sporting public back in love with the national side."We are fair weather fans in this country. We love a winner and we love teams that show up with what we see as being Australian, which is showing up with a bit of grit and being competitive," he added."What we want to see in the next two years [before the World Cup] is just a consistent improvement, a trend upwards, and you don't see these valleys and troughs we have seen over the past decade and a bit."You are a very lucky player if you get to have a home World Cup, and these guys are going to get to do that."
The Advertiser
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Rugby star Michael Hooper plays chauffeur for a lucky superfan
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 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 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 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
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rugby fan's huge airport surprise after landing in Sydney: 'Surreal'
When rugby superfan Lawrence Hanlin flew into Sydney from Gibraltar as the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia got underway, he was in for the surprise of his life at the airport. There, waiting to take him to his hotel was his own private chauffeur, in the form of Wallabies legend and former captain Michael Hooper. 'Opening the door to such a legendary rugby player was surreal,' Lawrence, a former rugby player turned referee, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. 'He was incredibly friendly and genuine, which made the experience even better. We chatted about my lifelong passion for rugby - over 45 years now!' The pair exchanged banter about the classic rivalry between the Lions and Australia, and Lawrence was in for even more shocks once he arrived at the InterContinental Sydney, his chosen hotel for the stay. Not only were other top players there to greet him, namely British & Irish Lions players Andrew Porter, Tommy Freeman and Finn Russell, but he also got a signed Lions jersey, something he describes as 'the cherry on top'. RELATED: 🥬 Alternative to Coles, Woolworths saving shoppers up at $720 a year: 'Secret weapon' 🩲 'Favourite' Aussie brand slashes prices by 30 per cent: 'Available in XS to 2XL' 💄 Aussie brand's 'near perfect' dupe of $70 cult product wows for half the price Benefits and perks of IHG One Rewards So just why did Lawrence get such VIP treatment during his Sydney trip? He's a member of IHG One Rewards - the hotel chain's global loyalty program - and by just signing up for free, you're in with a chance of scoring some serious perks. 'The IHG One Rewards program is all about creating memorable, money-can't-buy experiences for our guests around the world,' Dean Jones, Vice President, Commercial, East Asia & Pacific (EAPAC), tells Yahoo Lifestyle. 'As the Official Hotel Partner of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour, we wanted to recognise one of our members in a way that felt truly personal and once-in-a-lifetime. 'From the moment Lawrence stepped out of the airport to the final surprise in his room, you could see how much the entire experience meant to him, and we're so pleased to be able to create moments like this for our guests.' But while Lawrence's experience took a 'bit of coordination behind the scenes' to pull off, Dean explains that anyone who signs up to join the rewards program can reap a whole host of benefits - some of which can save you some serious cash. Upgrades and sports events for members 'Members earn points every time they stay across our portfolio of 20 brands, and those points can be redeemed for perks, including hotel nights, upgrades, and increasingly, unforgettable experiences, such as Lions Tour tickets, access to fan zones and activations we've popped up on property and at stadiums during the tour,' Dean says. 'There are five loyalty tiers in total, and the more nights you stay in a year, the further you move up the tiers. 'Even at our starting tier as a Club Member, there are some great perks, including free Wi-Fi, access to member-only rates every time you book and late check-out on availability. It's designed to be simple to understand, flexible, and about giving members choice in how they earn and spend their points, so it's rewarding in the way you want it to be.' Indeed, over the last few months, IHG has been offering numerous exclusive perks and benefits to IHG One Rewards members in Australia and around the world. These include Platinum rugby tickets with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merch and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IHG Hotels & Resorts (@ihghotels) Members start saving immediately To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points for experiences – including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match, which sold out in just two minutes. 'The best way to stay across what's on offer is to join IHG One Rewards and keep an eye out for key offers on our IHG One Rewards Access platform, an exclusive benefit for members, where they can redeem points for unique experiences,' Dean explains. 'We're always adding and communicating new offers and once-in-a-lifetime packages, not just for sport fans, but across music, culture and entertainment.' IHG hotels include the luxe InterContinental Sydney and Double Bay, the Kimpton Margot Sydney, the Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour and the Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point. In Melbourne, they're behind Voco Melbourne Central, the Hotel Indigos on Little Collins and Flinders Lane, as well as the InterContinental Melbourne and two Crowne Plaza hotels. 'When you join IHG One Rewards, you automatically unlock a members-only rate. It's a simple way to start saving straight away,' Dean says. 'Plus, as members accrue points over time, they can be used to cover part or all of a future stay, or to save money with one of our many partners, including airlines and retailers.' Rewards program a 'no brainer' For Lawrence, becoming an IHG One Rewards member was a 'no brainer' as he travels extensively for work. 'It gives me access to extra perks and offers that really enhance my travel experience,' he tells Yahoo Lifestyle. 'The program adds genuine value for frequent travellers like me.' He describes the InterContinental Sydney as 'exceptional' and in his 'top five hotels worldwide'. And there's a good reason why he wanted this trip to be extra special. 'Having stayed at various hotels in Sydney before, I knew I wanted something central, with amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This trip was extra special as I planned to propose to my partner on the bridge later in the week.' Indeed, Lawrence tells Yahoo Lifestyle that he did end up proposing and his partner said 'yes' - making this Australian getaway one to remember forever. To learn more about IHG One Rewards, click here.
