‘It’s been life-changing’: Ben Earl takes Lions lessons back home

Earl is equally effusive about Farrell’s coaching style. The Ireland head coach led the Lions to a first series win in 12 years on his first tour in the top job.

British and Irish Lions' Tadhg Beirne (left), Ben Earl (centre) and Tom Curry celebrate with the trophy. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire.

After the British & Irish Lions failed to complete the clean sweep they were seeking in Sydney, the head coach, Andy Farrell, conceded it might take one or two beers before his players felt a sense of pride in their achievements. For Ben Earl, you sense it did not take as long as that.

Earl gave a glowing endorsement of his first Lions tour – he appeared as a replacement in the first and third Tests – passionately expressing the hope he features on the next one and explaining why he returns to Saracens and England a much-improved player. The key, according to the 27-year-old back-rower, is essentially to go with the flow.