Out of Africa into the outback with British and Irish Lions

By Wilf Dooley

For the next three Saturdays, The British and Irish Lions kick off their tour to Australia in earnest as they encounter the Australian Wallabies Rugby Union sides.

In a 4-yearly cycle, The Lions visit the Southern Hemisphere rugby hotbeds of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand; it’s therefore 12 years since their last visit to Australia, and in 4 years’ time, they will be taking on the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand.

Four years ago, in Covid times, The Lions played out a drawn series against the South African Springboks in empty stadiums and under strict protocol.

This Saturday (19th), the teams will clash in the first of 3 Test matches, this one being played in Brisbane, and we will be showing the match live at Trafford MV Rugby Club in Sale, M33 6LR, with the Clubhouse and both of its bars opening at 10.00 am, with breakfast food being served up alongside hot and cold drinks.

The Club is open to non-members for these games, and families are welcome, with plenty of outdoor space for the kids to let off steam. All lovers of Rugby are invited to come along and join in the rugby frenzy that will be the 1st Test against a strong Australian side, with Sale Sharks’ Tom Curry in the British Lions team that should be an extra draw!

Any local Rugby players looking for a new challenge or maybe looking to get back into the game following a period of lapse should drop in and have a look at our club and facilities as they look ahead to the 2025/26 season.

With 3 senior teams, a women’s team, and an age range for teens for boys and girls from U5s through to U18s, excellent private pitches, superb changing/shower/gym and physio rooms, as well as a 2-function room clubhouse for socializing, this is the place to be.

We send out a particular invite to people in Trafford with links to the Southern Hemisphere rugby nations as we look to create our own Sea of Red supporting the Lions – who will come along to cheer on the Wallabies?

Join us to Eat With The Lions !!!!