Lions to return for Jersey holiday

Friday 06 August 2021

The British and Irish Lions apparently thought Jersey was so roar-some when they visited for their training camp that they’ve decided to return to the island for a holiday.

After tomorrow’s final fixture against the Springboks in Cape Town, members of the rugby team will be landing in Jersey on Monday for some rest and relaxation.

In June, the squad convened in Jersey in June for a 10-day training camp at Strive in preparation for their South African tour, and also took part in numerous community activities.

A grant of £175,000 - £100,000 of which came from Visit Jersey’s budget and £75,000 from the Government – covered their on-island expenses.  That included £5,764 given to Strive to cover the cost of nitrogen needed for the cryotherapy chamber used by the Lions.

This time round, however, the Lions will be here simply for a holiday, which will be funded by the team.

Pictured: The cryotherapy chamber that nearly didn't make it to Jersey as a result of the dispute over fishing with France. (Ouest-France/Marie Carof-Gadel)

“It is fitting that the Lions started their campaign in Jersey and will draw it to a close here as well,” Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham said.

“The training camp was a period of intense preparation, when they had limited time to enjoy the Island. This time, coaches and players will reunite with their families and will be able to properly see what the island has to offer.

“The squad will be welcomed as individual guests who are here to recuperate, with very limited work commitments. No formal community events will be arranged while they are here, and the cost of the visit is being met by the Lions.”

'#JerseyCI has a lot to offer... we are a lot more free here... and it's great to be out here, in a nice warm climate' says the @lionsofficial, who are beasting it in #theislandbreak as they train for their South African tour @BBCSport https://t.co/WM5iP5TXwu pic.twitter.com/HwrttHT2Ov

— Visit Jersey (@VisitJerseyCI) June 17, 2021

The Lions have spent the tour in a protective ‘bubble’, including regular PCR testing.

All players and coaches will be PCR tested every day for their first 10 days in Jersey, and those who are not fully vaccinated will isolate for five days from arrival.

The Lions’ Managing Director Ben Calveley commented: “We are very grateful to the Jersey Government for allowing us to return to the Island. We very much enjoyed the 10-day training camp in June and look forward to experiencing everything the island has to offer now the Castle Lager Lions Series has concluded.”