Discovering what Willie John McBride thinks about his five British & Irish Lions tours is a real reminder of how much rugby’s greatest tradition has changed over the decades.
He speaks of spending months travelling the southern hemisphere with teachers and miners, creating the infamous ‘99’ call and playing three times in a week – all unthinkable in 2025.
This year’s Lions were even banned from consuming alcohol on the flight over, such is the professional approach of it all these days. McBride’s war stories are from a bygone amateur era that some still yearn for – but they’re memories for good reason.
Moving with the times has ensured the Lions have a future beyond this tour to Australia and they retain their relevance as one of global sport’s most iconic teams. Long may it continue!
Joe Robinson, editor of Rugby World.
Buy ISSUE 313 of Rugby World, our summer of rugby triple-pack!
100p Rugby World, bonus Women’s Rugby World Cup mag and bumper Women’s World Cup wallchart!
In this issue…
- Exclusive chat with British & Irish legend Willie John McBride
- Behind the scenes at the Premiership Rugby away day trial
- Catching up with Juan Martin Hernandez
- Anthony Watson’s Lions memories
- Beauden Barrett on breaking records
- Much, much more!