Lions.

The Rugby World Cup is now officially over and with that, a new cycle begins. And that means the next British and Irish Lions tour is only around the corner, with the famous touring side set to take on the world champions South Africa in less than two years.

The last time they took on the Springboks in 2009 they were also world champions, having won in France in 2007. They lost that series in agonising fashion to a penalty in the final moments from Morne Steyn in the second Test and will be out for revenge in 2021.

Munster and Ireland legend David Wallace was on that tour to South Africa, starting the first and second Test, before coming on as a replacement in the final test which the Lions won to restore some pride.

He also toured with the Lions in 2001 to Australia and we sat down with the retired openside to discuss some of his fondest memories which we will be sharing with you this week. First up we asked him who’s the best Lion he has ever toured with.

“Donners [Donncha O’Callaghan] is a great tourist, always was,” Wallace said.

“He’s just great company, always positive, always full of fun and craic. Sometimes he helps to break up the monotony.“

“Donners is brilliant. I think he captained a couple of the midweek teams too. To captain the Lions, a phenomenal tourist. Whether it be Munster, Ireland or the Lions.”

And we had to follow that up with the best Lions he has ever played with.

“You couldn’t look past Drico [Brian O’Driscoll],” Wallace said.

“He was phenomenal. [Jason] Robinson too for what he did, it was incredible.

“But Drico I think, that 2001 tour he was just… to be there and to witness it was incredible. His skills and his abilities. To pull it out of the bag on the highest stage.

David Wallace was speaking at a Canterbury event where they announced that they have renewed their deal with the British & Irish Lions to be the official apparel partner of the Lions team for their tour of South Africa in 2021. 

As part of this partnership, grassroots clubs who have produced a Lions player can now sport a Lions Origin Club logo on their jerseys to proudly celebrate their role in the development of the players.

Buccaneers RFC Hon Secretary, Col Michael Cleary and former British & Irish Lion, David Wallace poses with the limited edition LOC Buccaneers RFC jersey as Canterbury renews their British & Irish Lions partnership and launches a special kit for Lions alumni clubs at Buccaneers RFC (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Canterbury).