Lions players and management convene for first time

Clive Woodward set out his vision for the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand as the squad of 44 players assembled for the first time in Wales this morning (NZ time).

The two-day get together near Cardiff is focusing on bringing the four nations together as one squad and building the best-prepared team in Lions history, said a spokesperson for the tour.

"Today included motivational talks, team-building exercises and videos of the greatest moments in Lions history and British sport", said Louisa Cheetham, the Lions' media manager.

There were opening words from coach Clive Woodward setting out his key objectives for the tour, Bill Beaumont on how the tour will be run, Brian O'Driscoll on captaining the Lions and Ian McGeechan on what it means to be a winning Lion.

Clive Woodward told reporters, "this is the day it has all become real. I am determined we leave no stone unturned in our preparations and this is the first opportunity for me to sit down with the players to discuss that.

"I am very impressed by them. They are totally up for it, focused and committed to doing the best possible for their clubs, countries and the Lions.

"I want this tour to be different from any other with each player enjoying the experience, acting as an ambassador for their country as well as focussing on winning."

Brian O'Driscoll added, "today it hit home what a massive honour it is to be a player and the captain of this squad. The room was littered with captains and leaders from both club and country. Seeing so much class together is what makes this so exciting and we know we all have a chance to be involved in something special.

"Everyone realises that from this day forward we cease to be Irish, Scottish, English and Welsh. We become Lions with tremendous history and objectives."

There were also words from Gareth Thomas, Gordon Bulloch, Martin Corry and Paul O'Connell, players who have led their respective nations. Neil Back also spoke of his experience of playing on three Lions' tours.

Gareth Thomas said, "standing up in-front of the players today, you realise what an honour it is to be picked for the Lions. The Welsh players are all delighted and relishing the opportunity to play with such a great squad of players.

"There will be tough times and good times but I can guarantee from myself and the other Welsh players we will support Brian 100 per cent. I know that goes for the whole squad too. We know what a great challenge it will be but there is no book that says you can't enjoy it and play with a smile on your face. We will aim to do just that", concluded Thomas.

Martin Corry pointed out that it was time for internecine rivalries to be put aside for the 'bigger picture'.

"We may have played against each other in the Six Nations but nothing will stop us coming together for the Lions. We all know how hard it will be in New Zealand but everyone is looking forward to the challenge," Corry said.

The Lions have won just one series against New Zealand, back in 1971.

They face Argentina in a warm-up match at Cardiff on May 23 and their first tour match is against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on June 4.

The first test of three against the All Blacks is at Christchurch on June 25.