Pride of Lions is an idea I've had for many years but never really got round to until recently. I remember during the excitement of the 2001 tour, while I was just a young teenager that there wasn't as much Lions info, punditry and opinion about as I would have liked. I was literally ravenous for more Lions. I was taking part in Lions fantasy rugby, reading as much about the tour as I could and even watching the occasional Lions TV channel which was broadcast by tour sponsor NTL. I couldn't get enough.

The whole thing was just so exciting, but I felt that there was room for more, particularly when it came to punditry and commentary. As any good bookshops sports section will prove, you can write tomes about a Lions tour and it was my belief then, as it is now, that there is room for more evaluation. The idea of a Lions fansite was hazy for a few years and then in the run-up to the 2005 series I considered building a Lions website. I've got a reasonable knowledge of web design and it seemed like the obvious platform for further Lions commentary. In the modern age of multiple camera angles, 24 hour news internet and instant updates via email, it's a shame that we often only get 10 to 15 minutes of coverage following a major test match. I figured that it was a gap that warranted filling.

I didn't get round to producing anything for 2005, but I bought this domain name back in January of this year and although I only got my ass in gear at about 9pm on the evening prior to the squad announcement, we were up and running for that (just) and I'm hoping we'll offer some decent coverage throughout the 2009 tour. I'm lucky enough to have a couple of other guys to assist me and although none of us can claim to be much more than enthusiastic amateurs the ambition is there to write engaging, considered and unbiased stuff. We're all fans first and foremost and the aim is to not forget how exciting a Lions tour can be! C'mon 2009!!!

Tony Hart - Editor

---

'Staff'*

Tony Hart - Editor

I'm 24 and have been a rugby fan for as long as I can remember. I was a player during my school days, a behemoth of a lock, or so I wished, and I scored a try... once. It's hard to say why I have such a fascination and appetite for rugby, but I do and have been mad about the Lions for many years. It's a romantic rugby crusade and it's survival in the professional game is a testament to the traditions and spirit of Rugby Union.

My journalistic qualifications are really very sparse. I studied English at Exeter University, but not with the intention of becoming a journo or a writer, but rather with the intentions of becoming a pilot. Nope, I agree the two are not really linked at all! Writing is simply something I enjoy, as was my course, and it seemed like a good foundation for the future. The dream of becoming a pilot had steadily been eroded over the years. I intended on joining the RAF, but my eyesight let me down. I then intended to qualify as a airline pilot but BA closed their training sponsorship scheme following 9/11. In the end I gave up my airborne plans. I've ended up as a photographer and I can't really complain, it's a job I dearly love.

My vision for POL is simple and straightforward. Write accurate and engaging articles about the Lions 2009. There is a dearth of 'third-party' journalism, and while our news articles are likely replicated all over the web, I hope our opinion pieces can offer a fresh voice and an un-jaded viewpoint!


Matt George - Contributing Editor

Well I’m not really one for self-publication, but here goes. I’m a twenty-three year old English/Media graduate with a passion for all things rugby, both playing and watching. Since leaving university I have been trying to get into the media and have been commissioned for various pieces on a freelance basis.

I am also a big classic car fan and have contributed work to the national magazine Practical Classics. As Pride of Lions Contributing editor, I am looking to bring my own views and opinions on the upcoming tour, as well as some quality journalism, perhaps coming from a slightly different angle to the regular press. I am certainly grateful for the opportunity and hope my efforts prove agreeable to those of you who find your way to reading them.