GB & Irish Lions: Billy Twelvetrees says ‘mystique’ makes tour special

Worcester Warriors defence coach Billy Twelvetrees says “no one really knows what it’s like” on a British and Irish Lions tour unless they have been involved in one.

The 36-year-old, who won 22 England caps, was called up to join the Lions tour to Australia in 2013 as injury cover.

He told BBC Hereford &Worcester: “You can watch it on TV and think you know, but all the players are the same, you’re put into that room, there are world-class players everywhere and there is imposter syndrome a little bit.”

Twelvetrees has come out of retirement following a coaching stint at Champ Rugby side Hartpury after agreeing a player-coach role with Worcester, who kick-off their return to professional rugby against Coventry on 4 October.

Speaking ahead of the first Lions Test against the Wallabies on Saturday, Twelvetrees said Worcester produced some real talent before going into administration and has high hopes for former fly-half Fin Smith, who has missed out on a start this weekend.

“I remember Willie Heinz coming here, and he said ‘Bill, have a look at Fin Smith he’ll be the next England 10’ and that was four or five years ago now.

“When you’re in the game you know good players straight away, so being in the game, I am a big Fin Smith fan, I like the way he moves the ball and the way he operates”

“I think it’s so cool for him, and he’ll learn so much being around world class players and coaches, and he’ll have the social side of it in Australia so what a cool thing to do as a young lad.”

Smith joined Northampton Saints after leaving Sixways and was a member of their 2024 Premiership title-winning side, and also played in their 28-20 European Champions Cup final defeat by Bordeaux in May.