"If '97 launched the Lions into the professional age, the '05 tour from hell brought a deluded few back to reality with a bang. For those of us privileged to have worn the Lions colours and to have partaken in the unique touring experience, that debacle saddened us. Few tears were shed at the overall outcome to that tour.
"Clive Woodward the player was an outstanding Lion, but Sir Clive the Coach lost the run of himself, and with it the respect of Lions past and present. I toured with Woody in '80 and he was Jack the Lad; the archetypal rugby tourist. For whatever reason he lost that vital touring perspective in the build-up to and duration of that manic trip to New Zealand. Thankfully it was a line in the sand, with new Lions head coach Ian McGeechan and tour manager Gerald Davies intent on making Lions touring again what it once was. The appointment of the former Lions' legends was as inspired as it was essential."
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