Alun Wyn Jones admits it would be a “travesty” if British and Irish Lions tours were to fade from the international calendar after his own illustrious career in the red jersey ended in heartache.
The Lions are having to fight increasingly hard for their place in a cluttered global programme, with their fruitless trip to South Africa squeezed from six weeks to five.
Head coach Warren Gatland has repeatedly stated his desire for prospective series to be protected when rugby’s powerbrokers discuss the future of the world schedule.
Veteran captain Jones, who conceded the agonising 2-1 defeat to the Springboks will be his fourth and last series after appearances in 2009, 2013 and 2017, echoed Gatland’s view and believes Lions contests remain among the pinnacle of the sport.
“It’s funny, being involved in 2009, I remember the furore after that – the Lions is this, the Lions is that. Should it exist? he said.
“… In its most basic concept it is something that is very special and it ignites the imagination in children and adults and it is something that rugby has hung its hat on for a long, long time…
“It is up there with all of those international competitions and rugby World Cups.
“It is very special and if rugby were to lose it, it would be a travesty.”
History repeated itself on Saturday as a late Morne Steyn penalty secured glory for South Africa, just as it did on Jones’ debut tour 12 years ago.
The Wales lock – rugby’s most-capped player – fought back tears at the end of the decisive 19-16 loss in Cape Town.
With a trip to Australia scheduled for 2025, he used a forceful outgoing speech to remind teammates of the importance of being selected.
“I’m never going to put this jersey on again, I am never going to have this chance again,” the 35-year-old, who overcame a dislocated shoulder to face the Springboks, said.
“I made a point to the guys that whoever is on the next one, make sure you go as hard as hell because it is a very special privilege to be involved in.
“I’ve already had a bit of stick for being overly emotional and I don’t give a f*** if people think I’m over-emotional, that’s what it means to me.”
Lions tours date back to 1888.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
yeah but if the Lions keep losing every tour, the talk will be "why bother - they cannot win" so they need to play Oz as that means once every 12 years they "may" win a series
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
after every tour someone says the Lions may end, remember seeing either Fitzy (NZ) or Gav Hasting saying they hope the Lions continues after a series. Professionalism means from a players perspective it can continue as they don't need to take time off from work, the trouble obviously is that in the NH the players are contracted to a club and not their nations Union, along with the NH competition and when their finals series are meaning players may not be available until after a certain date. If the issue is the Lions lose more than they win, maybe the players need more than a week together to get their combinations working before the 1st match. From a fans perspective - she's getting bigger and will be a shame if it does end. I remember rugby tours were always one of the best things the sport offered
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Yeah me too.. Lions series was really needed here for us guys. But it was a bit weird in so many ways.. and anyway the real deal is The All Blacks.. Can't trash that history....I kinda suspect next game between us is going to be huge. Bring it on.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Even though this year is impacted by Covid again, I am really Loki g forward to it and really hope the Boks and Pumas make it here ok.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Not just beat them Paulo but beat them at home, unless they host the WC which I can’t see either doing anytime in the future. Australia especially at home can beat any team any given day. Argentina no slouch either, then there is the travel.. It’s a mighty tough tournament.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Well, to do it, you’d either have to beat the Boks and/or ABs, so I think at last we have found something we agree on, it’s about the hardest thing to do in world rugby lol :stoked:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Not according to some… but thank you. Honestly though I think it’s sad that that will likely be the most memorable part of the series in 12 yrs time. I think the Lions will endure too.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
One can argue with some merit that winning A Rugby Championship the toughest assignment in the World game.
Rusty
Roar Guru
you are better than that
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. But I’d say once you get to the 1/4s in the RWC they aren’t soft, maybe the semi’s, but I get what you’re saying.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
No soft games with the Lions.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Monday
Paulo
Roar Rookie
“It would be a shame to lose the last bastion of true touring because of an iteration that has been horribly impacted by the cruel hand of
Covida water boy” Fixed it for you.Paulo
Roar Rookie
I wouldn’t put much stock in what Reason puts out. It’s click bait and typically only written to be controversial over factual.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Why is it tougher to win?
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
You know I've gotta say this, but some Bok players have actually gone on record as saying that for them a Lions Tour is a bigger deal than a World Cup.. Maybe it's because of the 12 year cycle or possibly the Brit VS Boer/Zulu thingy or because in reality it's actually tougher to win...but the reality is that The Lions are special.. Let it remain so.
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes! Sorry!
Ben
Guest
...and the first half of the second test took 62mins...
Ben
Guest
You beat me to it Shirley...that 2005 team under Woodward was terrible. Probably on a par with the 1966 team to NZ.
Ben
Guest
Did you watch all 3 tests? https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/opinion/126023332/mark-reason-all-blacks-on-mission-to-save-rugby-from-the-bore-boks-barren-wilderness