London squad ‘reveal’ shows again that Lions has its time and place

The Lions squad was unveiled at the O2 theatre in London on Thursday. Tickets cost £60 for a two-hour show which was agonising in its slowness.

For the first time, Lions players will share in the tour profits. The estimate is that each player in the travelling party will make almost €120,000. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Thursday’s announcement of the British and Irish Lions touring squad to Australia somehow managed to show both the broader horizons that its custodians have in mind for the iconic tourists and, at the same time, the concept’s limitations.

The Indigo at The O2 theatre chosen for the occasion can handle 1,800 seated punters when full, but it was far from full. And that’s not just because the venue originally known as the Millennium Dome still screams soullessness 25 years after its grand opening.