### British & Irish Lions Delight Sydney Pub-Goers With Impromptu Singalong After Series Win
In a display of camaraderie and celebration, the British & Irish Lions rugby squad took Sydney by storm this weekend, entertaining astonished patrons as they transformed a local bar into the stage for a spirited singalong. The triumphant mood inside the Coogee Bay Hotel came just a day after the Lions clinched their Test series victory over Australia—marking the first time since 2013 that the tourists have returned home with the coveted trophy.
Despite a defeat in the final Test of the series, Andy Farrell’s side appeared undeterred in their revelry. The Lions had already secured the series with wins in Brisbane and Melbourne, and their only loss in Sydney on Saturday did little to cloud their spirits as they gathered for an afternoon of relaxation and celebration.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the rugby stars, led by figures such as Jac Morgan and team captain Maro Itoje, mingled with surprised fans before breaking out in full-throated renditions of popular anthems. Classics such as Oasis’ “Wonderwall” and Adele’s “Someone Like You” filled the bar, earning cheers and plenty of social media coverage as videos quickly made their way online.
But it was the team’s acoustic version of the Scottish folk song “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” that drew particular attention. This anthem, previously sung on the pitch by the Lions after their decisive second Test win in Melbourne, quickly became a favourite among players and supporters alike. Footage of their performance inside the Coogee Bay Hotel was soon circulating widely, not least due to England player Marcus Smith’s sharing of the clip on TikTok, helping it reach tens of thousands of viewers in just hours.
Joe Hare, a Cardiff native residing in New Zealand, happened to be among those at the Coogee Bay when the Lions descended. Speaking exclusively to local media, Hare described the electrifying atmosphere: “They came in for lunch and stayed into the afternoon. The energy they brought was incredible, and they were fantastic with the fans.” Hare’s videos captured the squad’s boisterous, if playful, approach to music, with his caption—“Pack weight, 900kg. Vocal range, questionable”—offering a humorous nod to the fact that these athletes’ talents perhaps lie more on the field than in song.
The festivities were not merely for the sake of merriment. Head coach Andy Farrell, reflecting on the bittersweet ending to the Test series, revealed a sense of deep pride in his team. “There’s frustration because we wanted to win every game, but the best team won here,” Farrell acknowledged after Saturday’s match. Still, he was adamant that the achievements of the tour should be celebrated. “It might take one or two beers, but they should be unbelievably proud of what they’ve achieved,” he said, describing the journey as “the time of our lives” and highlighting the unique bond forged during the gruelling eight-week tour.
Such public displays of unity invite admiration from both rugby followers and casual onlookers. The Lions, a composite team drawing players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, have a storied tradition of camaraderie, and tours like this provide a rare chance for supporters to see their rugby idols up close—and in a new light entirely.
The combination of on-field success and off-field cheer seemed the perfect conclusion to what Farrell calls “the best eight weeks of our lives.” Despite the disappointment of missing out on a flawless series, the Lions’ collective experience—in both victory and defeat—will no doubt be remembered as a defining chapter in the squad’s shared history.
For those present at the Coogee Bay Hotel, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness joy, song, and celebration in the purest sporting tradition—a reminder that, win or lose, the spirit of rugby is alive and well.
As clips of the singalong continue to echo across social platforms, so too does the legacy of this memorable Lions tour, inspiring fans and reinforcing the cherished values at the heart of the game.