In Quinta do Lago, the British & Irish Lions are intensifying their training, readying for a significant tour showdown against Argentina.
At the luxurious Campus training center in Quinta do Lago, the atmosphere shifted dramatically on Wednesday. Locals arriving for their padel tennis and Pilates sessions were greeted by an unexpected sight—heavy security presence. Among them, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, in town for pre-season training, couldn’t hide his surprise at the heightened measures surrounding the Lions’ training.
This isn’t just any training camp; it’s the British & Irish Lions in town, and everything is turned up a notch. Bodyguards stationed at the entrance instructed affluent gym-goers, including one arriving in a sleek Porsche 911, not to linger or capture moments of Andy Farrell’s team in action.
The Lions are all about maintaining the integrity of their preparations.
Head coach Andy Farrell, familiar with this elite venue from previous stints with Ireland, now oversees a 24-man squad in the lead-up to next Friday’s opener against Argentina in Dublin. The Lions are here to focus, and nothing else will distract them from their mission.
Interestingly, the Campus shop, typically stocked with tennis and gym gear, has shifted its offerings to include Lions merchandise, with the iconic red shirts flying off the shelves. ‘There are padel slots available for those interested,’ commented forwards coach John Dalziel, hinting at the team’s lighter social agenda amidst rigorous training days ahead.
The team has constructed a bespoke outdoor gym beside their designated rugby field, ensuring the locals’ needs are met while keeping the squad comfortable during their training. On Wednesday, players braved the sweltering heat, diving into their fitness routines. Quinta do Lago has long been a favored destination for elite athletes, with past visitors including the likes of Wayne Rooney, who prepped for the 2014 World Cup here.
Among the highlights of the day, Lions captain Maro Itoje ceremoniously passed the team mascot, Bill the Lion, to 20-year-old Henry Pollock, the youngest member of the squad. Pollock must keep Bill close or face a fine, a light-hearted initiation into the team’s culture. However, it seems he didn’t hold on to his new companion for long, as Dalziel joked about Pollock’s early struggles.
Another interesting dynamic in Portugal is the presence of Farrell’s son, Gabriel, a promising talent in the Irish ranks, alongside assistant coach Johnny Sexton’s son, Luca. Pollock and teammate Tommy Freeman are back in Quinta do Lago, having let loose just weeks prior after their club season ended in Albufeira, a different type of getaway focused more on fun than training.
However, this week, the Lions’ agenda is serious. Pollock reflects on the importance of balancing work and play. ‘It’s crucial to step back and enjoy life, especially when the pressures of the game can feel overwhelming. We’re still young, and it’s vital to have some fun,’ he asserts. Just a year ago, Pollock was celebrating a Junior World Cup win with England’s Under-20 side. Now, he’s reveling in the opportunity to train alongside world-class players, a leap few could have predicted.
As Pollock notes, ‘The last 12 months have been a whirlwind. If someone told me I’d be a Lion a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.’ This opportunity is a dream come true for him, and he’s determined to absorb every moment.
Interestingly, while the Lions focus on preparations, the squad is missing several key players due to their commitments in the Gallagher Premiership final. The absence of these players was factored in as the Lions crafted their training schedule, ensuring that the remaining members could still thrive in a competitive environment.
As the week progresses, the Lions are not just training hard but also taking time to bond. Their evening out at a local restaurant included notable figures from the football world, such as Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard and former Premier League manager Alan Pardew. As they enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, the camaraderie among athletes was palpable, setting a positive tone ahead of their challenging tour.
Meanwhile, Saracens are making moves of their own, looking to bolster their coaching team with the addition of Dai Flanagan. Flanagan, who previously left the Dragons, is rumored to be a top choice for the role vacated by Kevin Sorrell.
In a related note, George McGuigan, formerly of Gloucester, is exploring options with Ealing Trailfinders after a brief stint at Ospreys. The rugby landscape is shifting, and players are keen to secure their futures as the season wraps.
As the Wallabies ramp up their promotional efforts for the Lions tour, media events unfold at Sydney Zoo, featuring players like Joseph Sua’ali’i, who recently recovered from a jaw injury. ‘Nobody wants to crash the Ferrari,’ joked teammate Andrew Kellaway, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the competition ahead.
And in the midst of all this, the buzz continues with Tom Seabrook’s rumored signing with Worcester, creating a buzz in the Championship landscape. The stage is set, and all eyes will be on the Lions as they prepare for their highly anticipated clash.
