Furlong ready to roar for Lions on third tour

Tadhg Furlong pronounced himself ready for the challenges of a third Lions tour ahead of Saturday’s first game on Australian soil against Western Force here in Perth.

The 32 year-old is a veteran of the last two tours to New Zealand in 2017, which ended in a draw, and South Africa four years ago, when the Lions lost.

The Leinster prop, however, was a stalwart of both series playing in all six tests matches and he’d like to extend that run Down Under.

”Would it be cool to say that I played in all three again?

“Yeah, it would. Is it something that motivates me at the minute? No.

“I think obviously after the result last weekend, we’re looking straight ahead for this Saturday, so it’s just about trying to get my best out onto the pitch and trying to get results with the lads,” explained Furlong.

Not so long ago there were doubts Furlong would make the squad. A calf strain was the latest in a long line of injuries that kept him sidelined for most of last season missing Leinster’s URC win a couple of weeks ago.

“There wasn’t a big bang and it was like you’re out for six months and you’re trying to scramble back.

“They’re all kind of short-term injuries, and you’re always trying to get back for this game or that game, and I suppose I was fully invested in the end of the season with Leinster, so it wasn’t ever feeling of you wouldn’t get back fit for something.

“It’s more a feeling of would you get picked, have you done enough?

Furlong will pack down in the front row against Western Force alongside his Leinster team mate and now Lions captain Dan Sheehan.

“I suppose knowing Dan, he doesn’t overthink it a whole lot, and he always plays well, and I think he has the respect of the group.

”I’m delighted for him as a friend and a teammate.

“He was a big old hooker and I remember him coming into a few scrum sessions.

”It’s hard to find your slot, what’s comfortable, what works for you.

“Then it just exploded for him. He’s a freak. I’m not sure at what point, but when he came onto the scene, he came onto the scene quick.”