The coming together of four nations, 41 players and the management is today.
The squad gathering is famously crucial to British & Irish Lions Tours and as part of that assembly, the first meeting is at the heart of the day.
That is the view of Director of Operations Ger Carmody, for whom it represents a new phase in what has been a multi-year planning process.
Click here for the official 41-man Lions squad
“It’s a really exciting day,” said Carmody.
“It gives everybody an opportunity to meet each other, for the coaches and management staff to interact with the team and, most importantly, to set the tone for the Tour.
“This is a huge marker aiming ahead of taking the group to New Zealand.”
Download our Official App for iPhone or Android!
The squad will have every need taken care of as they prepare to take on the All Blacks, all thanks to a large-scale and precise logistical operation designed to ensure every player can produce his best on the field.
“Allocating all the kit is a massive operation that has taken a lot of organisation,” added Carmody.
"These players will have every need taken care of. There is a full set of Canterbury training kit to be allocated and also bespoke clothing from Thomas Pink.
"All that gear has been embellished and personalised for the individual. There are medical, media and commercial requirements to be taken care of as well.
“But the most important thing is that first squad meeting, bringing everybody together and preparing for the challenge that we are about to take on.”
