Lions to dedicate tour to London victims, says Warburton
British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton said his team would dedicate the rest of their tour of New Zealand to the victims of the London terror attack on Saturday.
Speaking in Waitangi on Sunday, the Wales star's thoughts were with the six people killed and at least 48 others injured in the incident at London Bridge and the Borough Market.
Warburton, whose team opened their tour with a 13-7 win over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday, said the Lions wanted to bring some joy to those affected.
"In future performances and wins, we'll dedicate to those who have been involved and I guess we can play a small part in trying to cheer a majority of the nation up by trying to be successful over here," he said.
"We'll commit our performances and all our efforts to those involved recently in London."
He added: "I just wanted to wish those involved all the best wishes from the Lions players and management.
"Our thoughts are always with the people back home in Britain and Ireland so thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families and people involved in that incident."
The Lions have nine matches left on their tour, including a three-Test series against the All Blacks.
Tour manager John Spencer also sent his regards, saying: "We're four nations, but we're one jersey, one team.
"We'll all stand united here about the sentiments in London."
The Lions are next in action against Super Rugby outfit Blues at Eden Park on Wednesday.
Latest Comments
Can we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
Go to comments