Imagine winning a hard-fought rugby series, only to realize the post-match camaraderie you expected was nowhere to be found. That’s exactly what British and Irish Lions forward Ollie Chessum experienced, and it left him feeling like something was missing. In a recent interview, Chessum opened up about what he called the ‘worst bit’ of the Lions’ tour to Australia—and it wasn’t the on-field action. But here’s where it gets controversial: it wasn’t the Lions’ 14-22 loss in Sydney that bothered him most; it was the lack of interaction between the teams after the series finale. Why does this matter? Isn’t rugby as much about respect and camaraderie as it is about winning? Chessum’s reflections, shared on For The Love Of Rugby, highlight a surprising gap in what many consider a tradition of the sport.
Chessum, who played a pivotal role in all three matches—coming off the bench in Brisbane and Sydney, and starting alongside Maro Itoje in Melbourne—was part of the squad that clinched the series victory with a 29-26 win at the MCG. The celebrations were, in his words, ‘chaotic,’ but the real shock came later. ‘We sort of kept ourselves to ourselves,’ he noted, pointing out that even Geoff Parling, now Leicester’s head coach, had to step into the Lions’ changing room for a pint. And this is the part most people miss: while the Lions’ season ended there, the Australian players still had more games ahead. Yet, Chessum expected more mingling, more shirt swaps, more of the spirit that defines rugby.
This sentiment resonated with Anthony Watson, a two-time Lions tourist, who co-hosted the show. Watson, usually against post-match dinners, agreed that the final Test deserved an exception. Is this a generational shift, or have we lost something fundamental in modern rugby? Chessum’s experience raises questions about the balance between competition and sportsmanship in today’s game.
Back at Leicester, Chessum is embracing a new era under Parling’s leadership. The club, fresh off a Premiership final defeat to Bath, is rebuilding with a squad averaging just 24 years old. At 25, Chessum now finds himself among the ‘older’ players, a stat that surprised even him. ‘It’s been class,’ he said of the transition, though he admitted feeling like the ‘new kid’ with so many fresh faces. But here’s the real question: Can this young squad recapture the glory of past seasons? Chessum is optimistic, praising Parling’s approach and the opportunity to learn from a coach who understands the club’s DNA.
Chessum’s Lions victory remains a career highlight, a dream he never thought would come true. ‘It has to go near the top, if not top,’ he reflected. Yet, his thoughts keep returning to that missed opportunity for connection in Sydney. Is rugby losing its soul in the pursuit of victory? Or is this just the natural evolution of a sport growing more professional by the year? Chessum’s story isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the human side of the game. What do you think? Is post-match camaraderie still essential, or is it a relic of the past? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments below.
