Ross Ford says that his Lions tour has lived on for far longer than the 10-game tour of South Africa.
Scotland hooker Ford, who was called up to replace the injured Jerry Flannery prior to departure for the Republic, has replayed the memorable occasion for friends, family and rugby supporters alike since his return to Edinburgh.
"A Lions tour, for which I will always be grateful, doesn’t just end with the final match, I found,” said Ford, who played six times for Ian McGeechan’s tourists, winning a Test cap in the third and final international against the Springboks.
"When you return home you replay lots of details for family and friends which is understandable. But it does mean it takes that bit longer to get away from rugby which you have to do occasionally."
Having finally managed to take his mind off the sport for a short time before heading back into the rigors of pre-season training, Ford made his return to action during Edinburgh’s Magners League win over Connacht on Friday night.
The 25-year-old came on as a 23rd-minute replacement in a crushing 62-13 win for the Scottish capital side who have now won both their opening league fixtures following a 22-21 victory over Cardiff Blues.
And Ford believes there is more to come from an Edinburgh side who finished second in last season’s Celtic competition.
The former Scotland Sevens cap has told his team-mates to believe in their abilities and have faith in the set up at the club following his experience with Britain and Ireland’s elite.
"The main lesson from tour I would put across if asked is that, physically, the Edinburgh players are not far away at all from top international level,” Ford told Bill Lothian of the Scotsman.
"Our strength and conditioning programmes are up there with the best and hopefully that will help us maintain our winning start."
