The British & Irish Lions’ journey to Australia officially began in a relaxed but significant way at a hotel in Richmond Hill, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense and memorable tour. A coffee van, affectionately known as Ted’s coffee van, took center stage in the hotel car park, serving as an informal gathering point for the 38 players. It was a simple yet effective way to break the ice among teammates who, until now, had only known each other as opponents or club rivals.
The setting, a quiet suburban hotel overlooking the Thames, couldn’t be more different from the fierce competition that awaits in Australia. Yet, this calm gathering was a crucial step. Ten days after the squad was named an announcement that stirred little controversy the players came together for their first collective meeting. Traditionally called Messy Monday, this event has evolved into something more polished, with players opting for lattes over more raucous celebrations as they mingled casually around the coffee van.
This initial get-together was about more than just coffee and casual chats. It marked the start of a process to unite players from different clubs and countries under one team banner. Club loyalties were intentionally put aside as the players participated in administrative tasks, headshots, content creation, and fittings for their official Charles Tyrwhitt suits. Additionally, the players collected their playing kits, and rumors swirled about each receiving an iPad. In essence, Messy Monday represented the Lions’ first day of school—a symbolic beginning where dreams for some were realized and hopes for others were dashed.
For many players, this was their first Lions tour experience. Out of the 38, 26 had never been part of a Lions squad before, while another eight had only a taste from the Covid-affected 2021 tour. Even on the coaching front, four of the six assistants were new to the Lions setup. This fresh mix made the induction period all the more vital in building team cohesion and trust.
One of the newcomers, Ollie Chessum, acknowledged the initial awkwardness, likening it to the nerves and excitement of a first day at school. But he was confident the team would soon gel, especially with plans for a team get-together later that evening to foster closer bonds.
Historically, the timing of this event has sometimes caused tension between the Lions and domestic leagues, with directors of rugby expressing frustration over end-of-season interruptions. Warren Gatland, a former Lions coach, had previously criticized the Premiership for not adjusting its schedule to better support the Lions tour preparations. This year, however, the Premiership showed more flexibility, though the rugby calendar remains a complex puzzle. As a result, this Richmond gathering was the only opportunity for the entire squad to be together before their next full assembly just days before their warm-up match against Argentina. The team is set to fly to Australia the very next day.
The squad’s preparation will continue under some constraints. If Leinster reaches the United Rugby Championship final, the Lions will lose a chunk of their squad for a warm-weather training camp in Portugal and may need to call up reinforcements for the upcoming fixtures.
Despite the scattered nature of their domestic commitments, several key players made considerable efforts to attend this gathering. Wales captain Jac Morgan flew in from South Africa, where his club had recently played, while Marcus Smith made a shorter journey from a club match in London.
The sea of Lions red provided a unifying visual cue, but the composition of the squad also highlighted a strong Irish presence, with 15 players including 12 from Leinster. This led to a natural risk of players gravitating towards familiar teammates, potentially forming cliques that could hinder team unity. Leinster and Ireland winger James Lowe was aware of this challenge but expressed confidence that everyone would strive to break out of their comfort zones and mingle more broadly.
Lowe appreciated the collective talent and experience in the squad, noting the opportunity to learn from teammates who bring different skills and perspectives. This mix of new faces and seasoned players, combined with the relaxed yet purposeful start at Richmond, laid the foundation for what could become a legendary Lions tour in Australia.
