A revelation for the Leinster hooker.
Despite a large cohort on social media still seemingly bemused at the enduring popularity of the Lions, it is fairly obvious why it continues to draw eyes to this day.
Its uniqueness, like golf’s Ryder Cup, is what sets it apart from all other competitions in the sport and gives it a deserved place in the modern game.
Bringing the four nations together is not only a special as a spectacle for the supporter, but for the player as well.
Having only met their new teammates as opposition foe, for the most part, as rivals in the Six Nations or Champions Cup, it offers the chance to get to know them more intimately.
One of the great characters in the squad in England’s Ellis Genge, who was also the Lions’ best player in Friday’s loss to Argentina, known for his feisty personality on the pitch.
And as Ireland’s Dan Sheehan explained, he was surprised at just how likeable the loosehead prop is.
He said: “It’s mad how fast you can go from despising people to hanging around to go for a coffee with them! It’s probably just that rugby blokes are good blokes, you can turn on the hatred when you want it.
“I’m trying to think if I can find one for you – Genge would be a good one. He’s obviously a passionate, animated player for England and someone who we, as Ireland, would consider as a talisman and someone, in an Irish jersey, we’d need to target.
“He’s one person you enjoy having on the team. And he’s a funny bloke off the pitch. I think everyone loves him. You can see the passion he brings to meetings to pitch straight and scrum. He’s one person you enjoy having on your side now. He’s very real and says it how it is. He’s definitely someone that surprises you that he’s not a d***head.”
