‘Rock Boys Sign Up For The Lions
On the day that Brian O’Driscoll was announced as captain of British & Irish Lions for their second game of their tour to South Africa, pupils from his old school, Blackrock College in Dublin, were paid a visit by the largest ever replica Lions shirt. The school has produced 17 Lions in total.
The next generation were inspired to support the British & Irish Lions by being invited to sign an enormous 18x15m giant shirt to show their support for the team.
The principal at Blackrock College, Alan MacGinty, said: “We are delighted and very proud that both Brian O’Driscoll and Luke Fitzgerald have made the Lions squad as they represent our 16th and 17th Lions from Blackrock College.
“It’s a great honour for the school and continues our great tradition. We are absolutely delighted that Brian is captaining on Wednesday.”
The replica shirt had already made an appearance in Dundrum Town Centre on Bank Holiday Monday before heading to Donnybrook Stadium.
It continues its journey today, collecting support from Belfast where it is being paraded from RBAI to Donegal Square, where it will be met by Sports Minister Gregory Campbell and former Lion David Irwin.
The shirt is currently touring Ireland and the UK after the squad and tour captain Paul O’Connell signed it at the official farewell dinner before the touring party travelled to South Africa last week.
HSBC are encouraging fans to log on to www.lionsrugby.com/hsbc, sign the shirt and get behind the squad in their quest for victory over the World champions South Africa.
One lucky person from each of the home nations who signs the shirt online will also win a VIP trip for two to the third and final Test.
With the tour now underway, there could not be a better time to back the Lions.
Three-time Lions tourist O’Driscoll, who knows all about the lure of the iconic red jersey, launched the shirt three weeks ago.
He said: “The Lions tour to South Africa this summer is sure to be another titanic battle, and nothing can beat the feeling of touring with the Lions, not least to the backyard of the Rugby World Cup champions.
“I can vividly remember the drama and excitement of the last Lions tour to South Africa 12 years ago, as well as captaining the Lions on the last tour.
“With the launch of this initiative to get behind the shirt, HSBC has provided a perfect opportunity for fans to get involved this summer.
“That’s why I am calling on all fans, whether supporters of Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales, to show their support for the squad and sign the shirt.”
Commenting on his selection as captain for Wednesday’s clash with the Golden Lions, he admitted: “I am delighted to be selected and to be the captain on Wednesday. Even just pulling on the Lions training jersey has been exciting as you know you have to bring your ‘A’ game to the training field.
“You learn so much being part of a Lions squad as there are so many talented and experienced players around you.”
The Lions coaching staff and squad have already signed the shirt, so now is a great time for fans and supporters to have their name up alongside the greatest rugby players and to truly follow this summer’s Lions tour.
Current signees include past Lions Martin Johnson, Will Greenwood, Jeremy Guscott, Willie John McBride and HSBC ambassadors Jason Robinson, Gavin Hastings and Gareth Edwards.
The shirt started its tour last week by visiting Swansea and then continued onto Llanelli, Cardiff and Manchester.
After visiting Dublin and Belfast the shirt will move on to Bath, Bristol, Glasgow and Leicester next week.
To find out more about the HSBC giant Lions shirt and the Lions tour, please visit www.lionsrugby.com/hsbc.