In episode three of the ‘Spirit of Rugby’ podcast, several former British & Irish Lions talk about why the 2009 tour of South Africa was the most physical they’d been involved in.

Twelve years ago, the British & Irish Lions slumped to a 2-1 series loss against the Springboks, who had won the first two Tests before the visitors claimed a consolation victory in the third match.

Appearing as guests on the Spirit of Rugby podcast with host Jim Hamilton, four Lions players – Simon Shaw, Stephen Jones, Rob Kearney and Tom Croft – who all played in that series against the Boks as well as then coach Ian McGeechan talk about the brutal physicality they came up against during that 2009 tour and about the hostility that comes with playing the Boks in South Africa.

The Lions is set to embark on an eight-match tour of South Africa between July and August this year, with games scheduled against the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers and SA A before a three-Test series against the Springboks.

Check out the podcast below: 

Photo: Gall Images