**Lions in High Spirits as Van der Flier Delivers Sharp Retort to Jac Morgan’s Jibe**
The British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour in Australia may have concluded with a narrow defeat in the final Test, but it was the camaraderie and humorous banter among players that truly stole the show during the widely-followed docu-series, *The Ultimate Test*. In a candid moment captured on camera, Ireland’s Josh van der Flier fired back with a quick-witted response to teammate Jac Morgan’s playful dig, igniting laughter and cheers across the team bus.
The moment unfolded as the Lions squad made their way to the stadium for the climactic match of the tour, with conversations and jokes flying fast, clearly encapsulating the spirit of togetherness that had developed among players from around Britain and Ireland. Van der Flier, affectionately ribbed by Jac Morgan – the sole Welsh representative in the squad following Tomos Williams’ tour-ending injury – became the centre of attention when he read aloud a teasing message from the Welsh captain.
Morgan’s cheeky text read: “Alright Josh, boy? You should do yourself for Barry Crocker for being the only Leinster player in the original squad not to get named in the Test team!” Drawing raucous laughter from the likes of Jamie George and James Lowe, the atmosphere was jovial, with players reveling in the light-hearted mischief that such high-pressure environments can foster behind the scenes.
Yet, Van der Flier was not about to let the jibe go unanswered. Without missing a beat, he delivered a punchy rejoinder: “That’s very rich from a man who’s won more games for the Lions than he has for club and country this year!” The reply was met with wild cheers and applause, most notably from Ellis Genge, who enthusiastically celebrated the comeback as Morgan, seated right next to Van der Flier, grinned at the repartee.
This exchange was only one example of the lively banter that has threaded its way through the Lions’ 2025 campaign. Morgan kept the humour coming, following up with a second message: “Alright Josh, boy? Any ideas for the Barry Crocker? I was thinking we do Bundee Aki for being 37 years old and his highest academic achievement is the World Rugby Anti-Doping module.” The squad again erupted with laughter, showcasing the sharp wit that pervades the camp.
Humour aside, team spirit was on full display when social secretary Ben Earl presented a unique idea to keep the bonds alive long after the tour. He suggested each player contribute £20 per month over the next 12 years, building a fund that would allow them to reunite for the 2037 Lions tour of Australia, creating a pot estimated at £118,000 to cater for flights and accommodation. This idea, too, was met with widespread approval and further highlighted the collective ethos uniting the squad.
On the rugby front, the Lions secured the series after the second Test, marking the first time they sealed an away victory with a match to spare since their 1997 triumph over South Africa. Despite the anticlimax of a final-game loss, the achievement was cause for celebration within the touring party.
Reflecting on the campaign, head coach Andy Farrell spoke with pride: “It’s been the time of our lives. I know it sounds a bit dramatic, but it’s the truth. We got to create a special memory together. I’m unbelievably proud to be associated with this group. This has been a long time in the planning – the best eight weeks of our lives.”
Throughout the tour, the Lions demonstrated not only world-class rugby but also the invaluable bonds of friendship, mutual respect and humour that characterise truly great rugby teams. The squad, though a blend of athletes from four nations, functioned as a single, unified group, facing both adversity and triumph and never losing their sense of fun.
As the documentary series wrapped, it offered fans an unprecedented window into the raw emotion and unity of the players – elements as vital to sporting success as any skill or tactic on the pitch. The Lions’ 2025 adventure may be over, but if this tour is any indication, the laughter and camaraderie forged on the bus rides and in the changing rooms will echo for years to come.