’I think there’s a big buzz,’ he said. ‘We had a great week last week. Everyone’s out on the pitch at the same time, everyone’s in the gym at the same time, everyone’s in and around the training ground at the same time.

‘I think there’s a lot of good friendships being made, a lot of characters emerging already and that’s going to be a big thing for us.

‘I said a week ago that the talent is there in the group, the coaching is there in the group and now it’s up to us to perform as a team.’

He continued: ‘I think it’s important that when the players wear the jersey on this tour, they live up to the tradition and the history of the jersey.

‘I think when you look back at some of the players that have won the British and Irish Lions jersey down the years, there were great players.

‘Maybe in 2005 we didn’t live up to that. A lot of things went against us on the tour and at the same time I don’t think we did the tradition proud. I think for me personally, looking back at 2005 is a big motivation.’

‘I know for a few other guys that were on the tour, it’s the same thing. Living up to the tradition of the jersey is a big thing for us.

‘A lot of us when we play for our clubs give everything playing for Munster or Ireland. I think the same thing applies when we play for the British and Irish Lions.’