Heaslip embraces Twickers atmosphere

Jamie Heaslip intends to embrace rather than be intimidated by the atmosphere at Twickenham on Saturday as Ireland go in search of another Triple Crown victory.

Twickenham has not been a happy hunting ground for Heaslip, but the Irish and Lions number eight is looking forward to having another crack at the auld enemy and intends to soak up the ‘unique atmosphere.’

“I really like it, that big stadium, people surprisingly close to you… I really like when you pull in on the bus and see all the people, it’s like Aintree.

“They’re all out having their tea and Pimms out of the backs of their Range Rovers – quite proper, like a posh tailgate party.

“Then, there’s that walk into the changing rooms, which I just love, everyone’s there – at the Aviva you don’t see anyone until you come out of the tunnel.

“But there you get a sense of anticipation and excitement floating in the air and it gets you giddy.

“The English are passionate about their rugby, you hear ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ but then every so often you hear ‘Ireland’s Call’ or ‘Fields of Athenry’.

“The England game, whether it’s at Twickenham or at the Aviva, goes up a level, it’s really exciting.”

And Heaslip revealed there would be plenty of local support for him and his colleagues from his English-based family members.

“I have a lot of family over there, my sister lives in Richmond with her husband, they have a pre-match lunch and they walk from their house to the game. It’s just a really good fixture to play in and go to…”