It’s not just the action on the pitch that makes a Lions tour so fascinating — it’s the behind-the-scenes banter, the bizarre moments, and the little culture clashes that make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players and fans alike.
And as the squad settles into life Down Under, stories are already surfacing about cricket debates, beach day washouts, and even some confused hotel guests.
Let’s dive into the Lions’ latest adventures from Perth to their pre-tour hiccups in Dublin — and all the laughs, surprises, and drama in between.
Cricket Confusion in the Hotel Room
England’s Elliot Daly may have played international rugby, but he’s also a lifelong cricket fanatic.
So when he tried to get his roommate, Ireland’s Jack Conan, into the excitement of England’s comeback win over India at Headingley, he hit a wall.
“Jack called Bumrah ‘Boomer’ and thought we were watching a T20,” Daly laughed, clearly unimpressed. “I just said, ‘I don’t want to talk to you’.”
Still, not all hope is lost. Daly says fellow teammates like Jamison Gibson-Park have shown a bit more interest in the gentleman’s game.
Tattoos and Tour Buddies
Daly’s been rotating roommates — sharing time with full-back Hugo Keenan and previously with Ireland winger Mack Hansen.
Now, if you know Hansen, you know things get quirky.
He famously got a tattoo of coach Andy Farrell in 2023 and has been working hard to convince others to do the same.
“He’s trying to talk me into it, but it’s not happening,” Daly said with a grin.
“Mack’s a character though — we’re getting on great.”
Roommates are paired up by team logistics manager Charlotte Gibbons, who’s taken a break from her usual gig with England to help keep this tour moving smoothly.
Vikings, Fines, and Laundry Duties
Off the pitch, players are organizing themselves into mini “committees” to keep things running.
That means figuring out who’s in charge of fines, social events, tourist tips, and yes — even laundry oversight.
South Africa-born prop Pierre Schoeman and Australia-born Finlay Bealham are apparently deep into “Viking talk,” while Bundee Aki has eagerly taken the lead on fines.
“I’ll probably get stuck on laundry,” Dan Sheehan joked.
“But honestly, the management team here kind of handles it, so it’s more like making sure they do a good job.”
Katy Perry Lands in Perth, But Skips the Match
As the Lions landed in Perth in style aboard Qatar Airways, they weren’t the only celebs in town.
Pop superstar Katy Perry arrived via private jet for her concert, with husband Orlando Bloom spotted wandering around the city’s business district.
But fans hoping to see them at the Lions game will be disappointed — the couple’s heading to Adelaide next.
Beale’s Possum Encounter
Western Force veteran Kurtley Beale had an unexpected visitor at his early morning press conference.
In the middle of discussing his goals for playing with the First Nations & Pacifika XV, a wild possum darted across his feet — nearly giving him a heart attack.
Possums may be cute, but they’re nocturnal and definitely not expected to crash media interviews.
Beach Day Washed Out by Rough Waters
The Lions’ recovery day plans included a relaxing beach outing at Perth’s famous Cottesloe Beach.
But with the waves deemed too rough and time running short after the welcome ceremony at Kings Park, the beach trip was called off.
Instead, a scaled-down group photo had to suffice — featuring Aussie hooker Nic Dolly and Lions defence coach Simon Easterby filling in as makeshift poster boys.
Hotel Booking Mix-Up Shocks Fans
Supporters who paid up to £20,000 for the official Lions Rugby Travel package were met with an awkward surprise in Perth.
Some guests discovered their rooms hadn’t been booked at all.
Cue confusion at hotel front desks and a frantic phone call back to the UK.
Luckily, it was sorted — and to soften the blow, fans were upgraded to suites.
Dublin Drama at Lansdowne
The tour began on a bittersweet note back in Dublin, where the Lions lost a warm-up match to Argentina.
While the city turned red in support, not everyone was thrilled.
Lansdowne RFC, whose clubhouse is next to the Aviva Stadium, found itself locked out.
The space had been taken over for Lions hospitality events, meaning regular club members had to sit this one out — unless they paid for premium tickets.
Alfie Barbeary Takes the Party to Glastonbury
Meanwhile, back in the UK, Bath No. 8 Alfie Barbeary is keeping the celebrations going.
After winning the Premiership title, he’s skipped Lions and England duty in favor of a trip to Glastonbury.
His outfit of choice? Budgy Smuggler speedos and black loafers — the same bold combo he rocked on the club’s victory parade in Ibiza.
More to Come from Rugby Confidential
With the Lions tour heating up, expect plenty more surprises, offbeat stories, and behind-the-scenes moments as the squad continues its Australian adventure.
And if you’re craving more insider rugby gossip, check out Rugby Confidential every Wednesday and Chris Foy’s World of Rugby column every Monday on Mail+.