Being a huge rugby fan, as soon as I heard that TNR were doing a photocall that involved some of the British & Irish Lions, I had to be there. Thomas Pink, Official Outfitters to The Lions, were hosting a rugby event at the White Horse pub in Parsons Green which was to be renamed ‘The Pink Lion’ for the day.
TNR Photograph – David Parry
Unsurprisingly the day had a very pink feel to it with Pink umbrellas, Pink pints and Pink rugby balls on show. There was a touch rugby session for kids, with advice and tips from former England and British & Irish Lion player Matt Dawson. While the kids played in the park, parents were either crowding the current players who are off to tour Australia, or loitering around the BBQ which was manned by former England and British & Irish Lion Phil Vickery. Phil was cooking up kangaroo burgers which were available alongside Pink pints to wash them down.
After the various events outside had finished, everyone crammed into ‘The Pink Lion’ to meet and chat to Lions legends, past and present. Captain Sam Warburton, George North, Rob Kearney, Geoff Parling and Ben Youngs all spoke to people, shared stories of previous seasons and their hopes for the tour, while Matt Dawson & Phil Vickery recounted their experiences.
Lions tours are one of the great traditions that remain in the professional era and access to the players at events like this is definitely something that should be maintained. It was a fantastic day put on by Thomas Pink which attracted big crowds with young & old enjoying themselves.
I for one can’t wait for the first test match and I’m backing us to win the series 2-1 against the Aussies. Our last series win was 1997 which feels like a long time ago now and I’m confident this crop of Lions will do the job!
Post by Alex Waite, Marketing Manager @ TNR Communications
