In 1888, the British & Irish Lions set sail for Australia & New Zealand on their first ever tour.
They played 35 matches (16 Rugby & 19 Aussie Rules) over 6 months, and their captain Robert Seddon died in a rowing accident.
But no official Test matches were played, with the first coming 11 years later in Sydney.
Now fast forward another 102 years to the 2001 tour.
I was a rugby mad kid in NZ on tour, and remember the whole team being glued to the TV, as we watched every second of that series.
The Wallabies, led by John Eales, lost the first Test, but fought back to win the series 2–1.
And in the final moments of the decider, Justin Harrison stole a lineout to seal the win.
That moment was the peak of the “golden era” of Aussie rugby, and despite being rugby mad, I never dreamed I’d play a game for the Brumbies, let alone the Wallabies, let alone in a Lions series.
But 12 years later in the 2013 series, I started all 3 tests, and lead Australia out in the 2nd to celebrate playing my 50th.
Then fast forward another 12 years to last week, I found myself sitting next to Justin on stage at a Lions lunch, hearing him retell that lineout steal.
And at my table was John Eales. A real ‘pinch me’ moment if I’ve ever had one.
And while my Lions story doesn’t have the happy ending that John and Justin’s did, I couldn’t have been prouder to play a tiny part in such a historic rivalry.
A part that shaped me as a person, and the Lions tour still inspires me today as it’s one of world sport’s great traditions.
12 months ago when asked about the Wallabies chances for this series, I said “not good”.
But a lot has changed and I reckon if we get some luck and have very few injuries, we’re a bloody good chance.
The Lions lost to Argentina on the weekend, and we (the Brumbies) beat them last time to become the first Aussie state team in 40 years to do so.
To celebrate the Lions coming back to Canberra, The Dock is hosting Fanzone before the Brumbies Lions match.
The ACT Govt has declared the match a “Special Event” which means pubs can stay open longer, and we’ll be using the day to raise funds for ACT & Southern NSW Community Rugby.
We’ll have Q&As with past players, the Brumbies choir, a pie-eating contest, buses to and from the game, and plenty of Guinness.
So if you’re not sure what to do before the match, hit the button below for more details. Would love to see you there!