At a luxury sports resort in Quinta do Lago, Portugal, the regulars were in for a surprise.
They’d come for their usual padel matches, tennis lessons, and Pilates sessions—only to find the entire place buzzing with heightened security and elite athletes.
Even Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, who was casually prepping for pre-season nearby, looked a bit stunned as he strolled in for a kickabout.
Why all the fuss? Because the British & Irish Lions have landed—and wherever they go, the atmosphere shifts.
Security tightens. Cameras are banned. And suddenly, everyone’s on their best behaviour.
Andy Farrell Keeps It Tight in Portugal
The Lions aren’t just holidaying in the Algarve. They’re working.
Head coach Andy Farrell has taken his 24-man squad to the elite Campus training base, where he’s trained with Ireland many times before.
This trip is all business as the countdown to next Friday’s match against Argentina in Dublin begins.
“No leaks, no distractions,” is the vibe Farrell’s going for.
The team is training hard, shielded by security, while the public is politely told to keep their phones down.
Lions Life Includes Gym Sessions, Golf Plans, and the Famous Red Shirt
The Campus isn’t just about rugby this week. Lions gear has popped up in the shop next to tennis and gym gear, with the classic red shirt proving especially popular.
Meanwhile, players are finding small windows for leisure.
“Some might sneak in a padel session or a round of golf,” said forwards coach John Dalziel. “But Thursday and Friday are heavy training days.”
Still, the squad is making space for some fun. On day one, youngster Henry Pollock was officially handed “Bill the Lion”—the team’s plush mascot—and told he’s responsible for it 24/7 or face a fine. Dalziel hinted he didn’t last long before misplacing it.
Missing Men and a Custom-Built Gym
Notably missing from this camp are players from Bath and Leicester, who are busy prepping for the Gallagher Premiership final, and the Leinster contingent, gearing up for the URC final against the Bulls.
To keep both locals and players happy, the Lions set up a special outdoor gym right beside their designated training field—ensuring workouts didn’t interfere with the usual luxury gym crowd.
Pollock Reflects on His Wild Year
Henry Pollock’s rise has been meteoric. Just last year, he was lifting a Junior World Cup with England U20s.
Now, he’s sharing a pitch with icons like Itoje, Daly, and Furlong.
“If you told me a year ago I’d be a Lion, I would’ve laughed in your face,” he admitted. “It’s been surreal.”
He also opened up about taking a recent post-season trip to Albufeira with Northampton teammate Tommy Freeman.
It was all beers and beach parties back then, but this week in Portugal is a totally different vibe.
“It’s important to blow off steam sometimes,” Pollock said.
“You forget you’re only 20. But now, I’m focused. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot.”
Familiar Faces Join the Lions Abroad
Among the group in Portugal are two notable sons: Gabriel Farrell, Andy’s son and a rising rugby talent, and Luca Sexton, son of Lions assistant coach Johnny Sexton.
Pollock and Freeman, having just been in Portugal two weeks ago for that Albufeira escape, are back in much more professional circumstances.
Elsewhere in the Algarve: Football Stars Join the Party
Later that night, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard and former Premier League manager Alan Pardew were spotted dining with Lions execs at the stylish Maria’s restaurant by the sea.
As Candi Staton’s Young Hearts, Run Free played and glasses of Vinho Verde were raised, the footballers toasted the end of their season, soaking in the Portuguese sunset on the roof terrace.
Saracens Make a Coaching Move with Dai Flanagan
Back in club rugby, Saracens are bolstering their coaching team.
With Kevin Sorrell leaving, Welshman Dai Flanagan is the frontrunner to take over the attacking reins.
Flanagan previously left the Dragons and is now on Mark McCall’s radar to help revamp the Sarries’ backline.
Meanwhile, they’re also in talks with Owen Farrell—though he’s not quite ready for full-time coaching yet.
George McGuigan in Talks with Championship Side Ealing
Hooker George McGuigan, who briefly joined the Ospreys on a short-term injury cover deal after leaving Gloucester, is reportedly in talks with Ealing Trailfinders.
The 32-year-old is looking for a more permanent home—and Ealing may be just the fit.
Australia Embraces the Lion Theme with Zoo Visit
Down under, the Wallabies have taken their Lions tour build-up in a different direction—holding a media day at Sydney Zoo, with real-life lions in the background.
Star players like Joseph Sua’ali’i and Andrew Kellaway gave interviews in front of enclosures, prompting Kellaway to joke:
“Nobody wants to crash the Ferrari”—a nod to Sua’ali’i’s star power and recent recovery from a broken jaw.
Worcester Sign Seabrook After Leicester Rumours
Finally, Tom Seabrook has put pen to paper with Worcester, not Leicester as previously believed.
Released by Northampton, the winger now joins a revived Worcester squad ahead of their return to Championship action.