Why Lions remain relevant in the 21st century

After the weeks of verbal jousting started by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and latterly engaged in by Lions boss Warren Gatland, the pair of New Zealanders have finally found some common ground.

They both believe the British and Irish Lions are an entity worth fighting to keep.

As discussions continue as to the detail of World Rugby’s new global calendar for 2019 and beyond (and the place of the Lions in that schedule every four years) there are fears the famous amalgamation might be squeezed out of existence, further fuelled by comments from current tour manager John Spencer.