Tony Ward: My Lions tour in 1980 - needing a pain injection, getting rescued by a lifeguard and forgetting my boots
Briefly

The 1980 British Lions tour to South Africa transcended rugby, evolving into a significant cultural experience. Over 70 days, the players engaged not only in sports but also in an anthropological exploration of South Africa, a nation marked by diversity and complexity. The tour left lasting memories and friendships among the players, reflecting the intensity of their experiences both on and off the field. The insights gained during this journey extended beyond the game, providing a deeper understanding of a significant historical context.
On a personal level, I had one or two hairy moments on that tour to South Africa. We are talking off the field, but I did forge friendships that have lasted a lifetime, playing at the game's pinnacle.
The 1980 tour of South Africa by the British Lions (sic) was not solely a rugby tour. It was a 70-day, all expenses, paid anthropological study of one of the world's most troubling, most diverse and most interesting countries.
Read at Independent
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