Nik and Kev’s Lions tour escapades took a twist this week as they hit Australia’s roads in a camper van.
They left the sun-kissed coastline of New South Wales for chillier climates in Canberra, where they were reunited with Mack Hansen (much to Kev’s despair).
From rubbing shoulders with rugby royalty, to meeting the man who could star on the 2029 Lions tour, there has been plenty going on.
Here is what the guys got up to in the third episode of Roar & Uncut, in association with Dr Squatch.
SUNDAY
On our way to the Wallabies’ match against Fiji in Newcastle, we stopped for breakfast at the Sydney Oyster Farm.
Nik and Kev’s Lions tour escapades took a twist this week as they hit Australia’s roads in a camper van
From rubbing shoulders with rugby royalty, to meeting the man who could star on the 2029 Lions tour, there has been plenty going on
Lions back Mack Hansen (pictured with ball) was reunited with Nik and Kev once again
After gliding down the Hawksbury River by boat, we were dropped off at a secluded table in the water. A truly spectacular setting.
We popped on a pair of waders and tucked into 18 oysters each, before getting back on the road to the McDonald Jones Stadium.
MONDAY
Packed and ready for the 300-mile drive to Canberra, we hitched a lift with Brooky, Daz and Aidey from Long Eaton Rugby Club.
It was a scenic journey through valleys and woodlands, although chaos never seems to be far away on this trip.
Just 20 minutes into the journey, our camper van broke down, resulting in a three-hour delay.
We fuelled up with McDonald’s at a remote service station before arriving at the Lions’ press conference, at the Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG, in the nick of time.
TUESDAY
In Canberra the Lions took on the Brumbies with the tourists winning 36-24 on the day
Having sampled Canberra’s café culture, it was time for the Lions’ captain’s run. The forwards were busy working on their restarts, which had been proving tricky in the early warm-up fixtures.
We went for a drive in the van around the local area, checking out Parliament House, spotting a few wild kangaroos on the way.
WEDNESDAY
Gameday in Canberra, where the Brumbies were unable to spoil the Lions’ unbeaten run in Australia.
Before kick-off, we warmed up over a coffee with Wallaby legend George Gregan. After the match, we caught up with Lions winger Mack Hansen.
Back in 2023, we spent a couple of days with Mack in Galway, swimming together in the Atlantic Ocean, before clocking off for a few pints of Guinness.
One thing led to another and Mack ended up getting Andy Farrell’s face tattooed onto his thigh.
On the same night, Kev made a bet with Mack, agreeing to get his face tattooed if he scores a hat-trick for the Lions. Safe to say, I kept the evidence.
Australia took on Fiji in Newcastle as their own pre-Lions clash build-up continued apace
Hansen previously got a tattoo of Lions coach Andy Farrell on his thigh back in 2023
THURSDAY
Having saved enough IHG One Rewards Points from our first three weeks on tour, we logged onto the IHG app and booked ourselves back into the InterContinental Sydney.
The Lions will be back here when they return to town for their final Test, but this week it has been taken over by the Wrexham’s famous football team.
We warmed up from our cold camper experience with a stint in the sauna, before enjoying a sundowner in the hotel’s Aster bar, overlooking the glorious Opera House.
FRIDAY
Having been tipped off by a few rugby league insiders about Herbie Farnworth, we headed along to the Sharks’ NRL match against the Dolphins under the Cronulla lights.
The Englishman did not disappoint, scoring a spectacular breakaway try from inside his own half.
After taking dozens of selfies with his fans, Farnworth stopped for a chat. Several union coaches have told me he has the skills to become a British and Irish Lion in 2029 and the 25-year-old from Burnley, who has two years remaining on his contract, told me he would love to try his hand at union one day.
Nik and Kev enjoyed a sundown in the hotel’s Aster bar overlooking the Sydney Opera House
Herbie Farnworth, born in Burnley, has been tipped as a future British and Irish Lion by many
Wrexham are also on tour in Australia ahead of their return to the Championship for 2025-26
SATURDAY
We caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, where former England coach Anthony Seibold was waiting for us.
Having worked with England during the Eddie Jones era, Seibold is now in charge of business at the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL.
We had a walk down Curl Curl beach before watching the Lions’ victory over the AUNZ.
To read Seibold’s thoughts on the match, click here.
Roar & Uncut comes to you in association with Dr Squatch, ensuring Nik and Kev are the best-smelling guys on tour.
For more information on visiting Sydney and the rest of New South Wales, go to https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/
