SATURDAY June 3 is the first game in NZ for the Lions, just one week after the Premiership final. This is probably the most gruelling tour the Lions have ever undertaken.
Except for the one week between the last two Tests, all ten matches will be played with just two or three days break between them. This is a programme that seems to be driven only by the money it will generate with little or no regard for rugby or for players’ welfare.
The toll on players in the Premiership, still going on as I write, is well illustrated by Billy Vunipola. Others in the tour squad have also suffered ...