British & Irish Lions Tour Preview Lunch 2025

Lions Legends and a Warm-Up to Remember

Guests gathered at the prestigious JW Marriott Grosvenor House on 9 July 2025 for our British & Irish Lions Tour Preview Lunch, a spectacular day of rugby hospitality and insight ahead of the Lions’ summer tour of Australia. Taking place in the Great Room and hosted by Sky Sports’ Pete Graves, the event featured a live big-screen broadcast of the Lions’ final warm-up match against the ACT Brumbies.

The match itself proved a thrilling contest, with the Brumbies edging a tight game 26–23 in a result that will give the Australians plenty of confidence heading into the Test series. Despite the defeat, there were flashes of promise from the touring side and plenty for pundits and fans alike to chew over.

Our panel of Lions greats represented all four home nations: World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio (England), Welsh wing wizard Shane Williams, Ireland’s iconic scrum-half Conor Murray, and Scotland’s legendary centre Scott Hastings. Together they shared their unique perspectives on the Lions experience, including stories of team bonding, intense Test match battles, and the pride of pulling on the red jersey.

Between courses of a delicious three-course lunch and drinks from the complimentary bar, guests were also treated to a performance by acclaimed soprano Emily Haig, plus expert analysis and a lively Q&A with our rugby legends. The event offered the perfect combination of elite rugby insight, fine hospitality and pre-tour excitement—a fitting send-off for the famous Lions.