Lions tour changed England lock's preconceptions about Irish players

Getting to know the Irish players changed the preconceptions Ollie Chessum had built up in his mind about them.

England and Leicester second row Ollie Chessum became close with Irish players like Andrew Porter during the Lions tour of Australia. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile

Ollie Chessum received a gift from Andrew Porter during the summer. The Ireland prop sent the England and Leicester second row two personalised hurleys from the Dublin-based maker 65 Hurls. They were emblazoned with ‘Bin Chicken’, the nickname which Chessum picked up on the Lions tour of Australia. The hurleys got some use before the weather turned cold. Chessum and Will Stuart sent Porter a cricket bat in return.

Chessum became friendly with many of the Irish players on the tour. He's looking forward to seeing some familiar faces when Leinster pitch up at Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers in the Champions Cup on Friday night.