Lions Arrive In 'Beautiful' Jersey

The British and Irish Lions have arrived in Jersey for a summer training camp.

Warren Gatland's side will be based at Strive and the Jersey Reds' ground in St Peter, ahead of their tour of South Africa.

They will be in the island right up until they head to Murrayfield for their pre-tour friendly against Japan on Saturday 26 June.

They touched down at Jersey Airport, before being bused to their hotel.

On social media, the Lions described Jersey as 'beautiful' and said the welcome they received was 'awesome' and 'true rockstar treatment'.

We’ve arrived in Jersey & the weather is 👌☀️

Beautiful island & an awesome welcome from everyone 🙏 #LionsRugby pic.twitter.com/jYUgkl5lm2

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 13, 2021

Fantastic to see everyone on our arrival 😆

True rockstar treatment - Thank you #Jersey 🙏 #LionsRugby pic.twitter.com/VFPWySzNbq

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 13, 2021

The team will let islanders watch a few open training sessions, as well as taking part in school visits and a charity fundraising dinner.

Visit Jersey is supporting the Lions' trip at an expected cost of £175,000 in anticipation it will showcase the island to an international audience.

Welcome to @lionsofficial who have touched down in #theislandbreak. They're spending the next two weeks getting match fit ahead of the main event in South Africa 🦁🙌😊 We hope they enjoy their stay in #JerseyCI and all the island has to offer! 👊 https://t.co/dliJYyEou5 pic.twitter.com/h6vlyP8oju

— Visit Jersey (@VisitJerseyCI) June 13, 2021

 “I know that The British & Irish Lions will receive a very warm welcome to Jersey, and they can look forward to a safe and enjoyable stay. We have a shared interest in ensuring this is a COVID-safe visit so the touring party will form their own COVID-safe bubble to protect themselves, Islanders and other visitors.

“Covid protocols will be in place for all the players and coaches, even during downtime when they are out enjoying the Island’s natural beauty, and I ask all Islanders to respect that. Whilst the Government of Jersey public health protocols have been relaxed over time, the Lions have not. We have arranged as many safe, controlled and risk-assessed opportunities as possible and whilst the temptation of a selfie or autograph is high, we would ask islanders to respect the bubble arrangement and, maintain physical distancing at all times.”- Richard Corrigan, Acting Director General of the Economy Department.