While England’s cricketers won’t arrive in Perth until November for the Ashes, the city has already been buzzing with sporting energy. Why?
Because the British and Irish Lions have landed—and so have Mail Sport’s Nik Simon and Kev Quigley.
In their new travel series “Roar & Uncut”, the duo takes us along for the ride as they shadow the Lions tour across Australia, kicking off in sun-drenched Perth, all in partnership with Dr Squatch.
Touchdown in Style and a Famous FaceTime
Sunday brought with it blue skies and rugby royalty. The Lions touched down at Perth Airport, led by the towering Maro Itoje, with Henry Pollock bringing along their iconic mascot—BIL the teddy bear.
Nik and Kev didn’t arrive any less glamorously, having flown Qatar Airways’ luxurious Qsuites. And thanks to in-flight Starlink Wi-Fi, they managed to FaceTime none other than Lions legend Dan Biggar mid-air. Not a bad way to kick off the tour.
A Spiritual Welcome from Australia’s First Nations
Come Monday, the team was officially welcomed to Australia in a moving indigenous ceremony at Kings Park, overlooking the scenic Swan River.
There were didgeridoos, boomerangs, and even a sandalwood smoking ritual, where both players and media took part in breathing in the scent of burning wood to symbolise connection with the land. A truly grounding experience.
From Sandboarding Wipeouts to Starry BBQs in the Desert
By Tuesday, Nik and Kev were ready for adventure—and the Pinnacles Desert didn’t disappoint. On the way there, they had a go at sandboarding down dramatic dunes, though success was… mixed.
Once at the Pinnacles, surrounded by surreal limestone formations, the pair wrapped up their desert day with a classic Aussie BBQ under the stars.
Moustaches, Suburbs, and Nic White’s Barber
Wednesday brought a bit of local flair, as they linked up with Wallabies star Nic White—best known for his unmistakable moustache.
He gave them a tour of Subiaco, one of Perth’s leafy suburbs, and even convinced the guys to join him for a trim at his go-to barbershop. Safe to say, they’re all rocking facial hair now.
Steaks, Team Announcements, and Hotel Luxury
On Thursday, it was time for head coach Andy Farrell to announce the Lions lineup—and time for Nik and Kev to host some mates at their gorgeous stay, the Perth City Intercontinental Hotel.
The folks at IHG Hotels, the Lions’ official partner, pulled out all the stops. That night’s dinner? 15 dry-aged steaks cooked over open flames at the Ascua restaurant. Now that’s how you fuel up for match day.
Sunset Swims and Fish and Chips by the Beach
After a hectic week, Friday offered a breath of fresh air—literally. With 19 beaches within easy reach of the city, Nik and Kev headed to the famous Cottesloe Beach for a sunset swim.
There, they kicked back with some fish and chips, watching the surfers cruise into the weekend. The perfect end to a wild week of exploring.
Match Day Mayhem and a Winning Message
Saturday finally brought the much-anticipated match at Optus Stadium, just a scenic stroll down the river from their hotel.
It didn’t take long for their new moustachioed pal Nic White to make his mark, scoring early for the Western Force. But the Lions stormed ahead in the second half, sealing an emphatic win.
As White walked off the pitch, he left the guys with one last gem:
“Look good, feel good, play good.”
Can’t argue with that.
The Roar Has Just Begun
That wraps up Week One of Roar & Uncut. There’s plenty more to come as Nik and Kev continue following the Lions across Australia—smelling fresh, thanks to their friends at Dr Squatch.
Thinking of making your own Aussie adventure? Head to www.westernaustralia.com for travel ideas and tips.