Lions Winger James Lowe Responds to Perth Stadium Announcer's Trolling Ahead of Lions Victory

During the build-up to their impressive victory over the Western Force, the British and Irish Lions faced a unique form of trolling from the stadium announcer in Perth. The announcer, in an attempt to single out the tourists who were born in the southern hemisphere, made a point to highlight their origins during the match. This became a talking point, following comments made by Australia head coach Joe Schmidt regarding the ancestry of some Lions squad members.

"Our former Aussie at No 14, Mack Hansen," the announcer declared on Saturday in front of a record Force crowd of over 46,000. "Another Aussie at No 12, Sione Tuipulotu. At No 11, the Kiwi now Irishman James Lowe, and at prop, the former SA schoolboy now Scotsman, Pierre Schoeman."

The trolling did not have much of an impact on Lowe, the New Zealand-born winger who started for the Maori All Blacks against the Lions in 2017. Speaking to BBC Sport, he took it in stride, stating, "Hopefully a few more Kiwis or Saffas play next week and we can keep the same gag going if we keep on getting the same result. I've been slagged my whole life, my whole career, it doesn't matter where I go I seem to get slagged so they can say what they want."

Schmidt later apologized for his comments, stating that he was "sloppy" and meant no harm when he called the Lions midfield duo Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu the "southern hemisphere center partnership." He was then accused of mind games and pot-stirring by Lions head of performance David Nucifora. Tuipulotu, who was born in Australia, also brushed off the trolling, adding, "I knew there would be some 'good humor' coming back home to Australia. These are all things we've got to take in our stride."

Tuipulotu, who captains Scotland, also commented on the announcer's attempts at trolling, stating, "To not announce the elephant in the room, I am from Australia. I was born here. I don't know how funny that gag is to everyone."

Meanwhile, Lowe, who is one of 12 Leinster players in Australia, the most from any club in a single Lions series, was thrilled to finally get a chance to show his skills after reaching and winning the URC final. He finished the match with two assists and three clean breaks, and expressed his pride at being a part of the tour.

"I knew I'd get a chance to put in a performance and personally I was very happy with how I went," Lowe added. "I still remember sitting at home with my wife when your name comes up on the TV. To actually be here, feet on the ground in Australia and given the opportunity is a massive privilege."

Lowe and his Leinster teammates will look to carry their form into the upcoming matches, with the ultimate goal of securing a Test spot. With world-class competition among the wingers, Lowe will have to continue to put his best foot forward to secure a place in the team.

Related topics: British & Irish Lions, Rugby Union, James Lowe, Perth Stadium, Tour

Source URL: BBC Sport