Camp.

Lions second-row Iain Henderson reckons the squad are already at a distinct advantage compared to their last tour in 2017 despite the complications that are in place due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic.

All of the Lions that weren’t involved with club fixtures flew out to Jersey last week with a squad of 26 players training and spending time together for the duration of the week

In 2017, with no travel restrictions in place, the Lions had several different camps in Britain and Ireland before flying out, with only around 15 players training together in the beginning.

Henderson, who was in that 2017 squad as well, says having so many bodies at training from the start has added a “huge element” to their preparations.

“In terms of training, with the numbers, I think there was around 15 of us [at this stage in 2017],” Henderson said.

“This time we’re up in the high 20s [of players] who are available to train from the start and that’s already added a huge element, with the majority of the squad being here.

“It’ll be tough for the guys that are just coming in but I’ve no doubt that they’ll catch up as quickly as everyone else has.”

Henderson also reckons that having the squad together in a bubble in Jersey will benefit them massively too with the squad already having spent considerable time with each other, both on and off the pitch.

“I think so, I definitely do think so,” Henderson added when he was asked if he thinks their preparationa are already way ahead of 2017.

“Having everyone here, spending their spare time together, getting to know each other, going out for dinner and having a few pints and all that stuff is vital for making things click on the field and off the field which is ultimately… the quicker you can do that on a Lions tour, the quicker you’ll see things being produced on the pitch.”