Lions Coach Defends Overseas Players’ Commitment on Tour

‍ ‌ Updated June 20, ⁢2025

Amid⁤ questions surrounding the dedication of ​overseas-born players, Lions assistant coach Richard ‍Wigglesworth has staunchly defended the squad’s commitment to the upcoming​ tour. The discussion arose after it was noted that ‍eight members of Andy farrell’s 38-man squad⁤ were born outside of the team’s home nations. The Lions tour and team surroundings are key talking points.

Wigglesworth, a‍ former‍ England scrum-half, asserted that every player has⁢ “earned the right” to ​represent the Lions, dismissing any doubts about their pride in wearing the jersey. He emphasized that‍ a player’s background is irrelevant compared to their character and playing ability.

Earlier, coach Schmidt spoke highly ‍of Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu. ‌”I coached Bundee for several years and know him‍ really well and​ respect‍ him massively as a⁤ player,” Schmidt said.⁢ “He’s a great​ contributor to⁣ the team environment.”

Regarding Tuipulotu, Schmidt added, “You⁤ don’t get to be captain ⁢of a national team​ without being a great bloke ​and really professional in those high-performance environments.”

⁣ ‍”Everyone⁤ has earned the right to pull on the Lions jersey,” Wigglesworth said. “It is‌ indeed not your background or how you have got here, it’s what‍ sort ⁤of player you are and what sort of man ​you are. We have got great men⁤ and great players.”

What’s ⁤next

The Lions squad will‍ continue preparations for‌ their tour, aiming to demonstrate their unity and commitment on the field,⁢ regardless of their birthplaces. The team’s performance will be closely watched as they seek to prove their ⁣dedication to ⁣the Lions cause.