[tps_header]Nothing gets rugby fans as excitied as a Lions tour. For the whole season building up to it, fans debate who will be included in the squad and who will pull on the famous red jersey in the test series. The unique coming together of players from four different countries, the early kick offs, the high quality opposition and the history of the team make a Lions summer unlike any other. Here are 10 signs you know it is a Lions tour summer.[/tps_header]
1. Over the course of the tour you will talk about the Lions in terms of “ethos”, “spirit”, “camaraderie” and “togetherness” roughly about 100 times.
2. You find your body clock is slowing changing to southern hemisphere time. You have your main meal for the day at around 11am and think nothing of having a few drinks before noon while watching the Lions. If someone questions your behaviour you say “but this is what the Lions is all about.”
3. If the place where you are watching the test matches is overcrowded someone will definitely chime in with “did Clive Woodward organise this party?” You will then dissect the 2005 tour for a minimum of ten minutes.
4. You buy at least one piece of Lions gear no matter how hideous it may be.
5. You find yourself constantly Youtubing clips from “Living with the Lions” and getting an irrational and overwhelming urge to punch the nearest South African.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3S6iGmUjI
6. No matter what team you support or how they fared during the season, you feel they are drastically underrepresented in the touring party.
7. You live in a strange world where you are openly critical of some Lions players but when any southern hemisphere fan or commentator says the same you become rabid and overcome with rage.
8. You begin to regularly alternate your dartboard with photos of Tana Umaga and Kevin Mealamu.
9. You begin your day wondering aloud how Tyrone Howe made the 2001 Lions tour.
10. You hold regular court sessions after the Lions games and make someone wear one of Keith Wood's old wigs.
