As the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand gets closer and closer; head coach Warren Gatland has revealed some relaxed rules about how players relax and socialise away from the field.
Warren Gatland reveals ‘loose rules’ for Lions on tour
Players will be allowed in bars after matches, provided they return to the team hotel by 1.am and understand the potential risks that come with being seen in public. In the age of social media, everyone has a camera, so Gatland has put faith in his players to act in an appropriate manner.
There will no doubt be some instances where this could backfire; but Gatland is totally right in his relaxed approach to this tour. He knows full well the pressure his players will be under, especially those in the Test team. The expectation will be immense, the scrutiny high, and attention from all fronts on another level than the usual offering for an International player. The Lions haven’t even arrived in New Zealand yet and already the concern over their success against the All Blacks have risen.
Many in the mainstream media are already making it perfectly clear; the three-Test matches are all that matters on this tour. You can bet that the players themselves know this too.
While the hosts will be convivial on the ground, Warren Gatland and his group can expect an incredible amount of focus – both acrimonious and gladiatorial, and plenty that is good too.
Traditional Maori welcome for Gatland & Lions
New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Sunday that a traditional Maori welcome will greet the Lions at Waitangi in a public event on June 4th.
Taking place after the Lions first tour match against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians; the entire squad and management will be welcomed with a powhiri prior to entering the famous Whare Runanga meeting house.
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