British and Irish Lions

Lewis Moody has admitted he had no idea what to expect at Monday's British & Irish Lions meeting with coach Sir Clive Woodward - but that he was soon relishing the prospect of taking on the All Blacks.

The Leicester flanker has never toured with the Lions but said his appetite was whetted at the two-day get-together in Cardiff.

"The get-together was a little bizarre for me as a first-time Lions tourist," he told The People.

"It was a bit weird to see how it is perceived by the players. But they showed us all the history and it really got me going.

"It is very easy to pass off the Lions and say that international rugby is where it's at, but the Lions is the next step up and it really does mean a lot to everyone.

"That was what came through most of all in what Sir Clive and the other coaches were saying.

"It makes me proud to be put among those players and, hopefully, we can follow in the footsteps of some Lions legends."

British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton says he's been struck by the level of professionalism and dedication within the squad as they prepare to head to Hong Kong and Australia.

Alex Cuthbert admits the prospect of touring with The British & Irish Lions seemed like a distant dream when the squad were preparing for their most recent adventure four years ago.