The British & Irish Lions have arrived in Dublin this week as preparations intensify for their first ever appearance on Irish soil clash against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium next week.
The squad gathered in Dublin yesterday, and the players were moving in a pack through the streets of Dublin as they transitioned between gym sessions.
The squad, bar the Leinster players preparing for Saturday’s URC Grand Final, will now move to a six-day camp in Portugal.
Next week’s fixture against Argentina, on Friday, June 20, will be the first time the Lions play on Irish soil in their 136-year history.
Dubbed the 1888 Cup, the game is expected to draw over 50,000 fans to the Aviva Stadium and serve as a big send-off before the touring party departs for Australia.
A similar game took place in Murrayfield ahead of the last two to South Africa, but that was held in the grip of Covid restrictions.
Lions CEO Ben Calveley described the Dublin fixture as “the perfect send-off” and praised the warm welcome the squad has received.
“Excitement is building,” he said. “The opportunity to play in Dublin at Aviva Stadium in front of over 50,000 Lions fans will make for a great occasion and the perfect send-off.”
Connacht’s Finlay Bealham has joined the squad as a replacement for Zander Ferguson. Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen and Tadhg Beirne are the other Irish players likely to make an appearance next week, with the 12 Leinster players in action on Saturday, as well as the three involved in the English Premiership Final, thought unlikely to play.
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The squad could be down to 22 available players for the game in Dublin on Friday. That’s less than a game day squad which will be a challenge for the coaches to address and also for the fans to engage with.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The BKT United Rugby Championship Final is on this weekend at Croke Park. The 1888 Cupo is on at the Aviva Stadium on Friday week, 20th June.
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