Western Force fly-half Ben Donaldson says it would be a dream to play in next year’s games in the British and Irish Lions Tour which starts in Perth.
The opening game of the nine-game Tour will be played between the Force and Lions at Optus Stadium in Perth. Tickets went on sale on Monday for the Tour. They are available for the opener in Perth via Ticketmaster.
WA Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman MLA joined Donaldson, Force GM of Rugby Matt Hodgson and Force CEO Niamh O’Connor at a media event on Monday morning, where he noted it was anticipated 20,000 tourists would visit Perth to attend the game.
Donaldson is in line to play in that game along with the Tests between the Wallabies and Lions in Brisbane on July 19, Melbourne on July 26 and Sydney on August 2.
“Obviously the Lions come every 12 years to Australia so it’s every boys’ dream to play in a series like this,” Donaldson said.
“To hopefully don the Western Force colours first against them would be awesome, then higher honours might come from that. It’ll be an awesome experience for myself.”
The Lions last toured Australia in 2013 although Sydney-bred Donaldson has only vague memories.
“I think was 13-years-old so it was a long time ago now,” he said. “I remember the likes of Johnny Sexton coming over and playing against the likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper, Hodgo (Matt Hodgson) and Ian Prior.
“There’s a lot of big names. As a young boy in year 7 at the time, it was cool to watch and watch the sea of red. Hopefully to get the chance to be part of that is really exciting.”
Former Wallaby and Force legend Matt Hodgson, who is the club’s GM of Rugby nowadays, was part of the 2013 tour and recalled fond memories when he skippered the Force against the Lions.
The 11-cap Australia international noted he still has his jersey form the game on a wall at his home, speaking with a smile about the atmosphere generated on that day at Subiaco Oval.
“Running out and leading a team out there in front of 40,000, normally it’s the Sea of Blue in Perth but it was the Sea of Red,” Hodgson said.
“The colour and atmosphere is something that you’ll never forget. It’s similar to a World Cup. I was lucky enough to captain the Force in that.
“We’re quite lucky to go over to Europe and play, you hear the noise at Murrayfield or Twickenham. To actually bring that to Australia is surreal.
“It’s something that rugby in Australia should follow and echo. The voice, the songs and atmosphere is something you’ll never forget.”
Hodgson called on the WA public to secure their tickets as soon as possible given the likely high demand.
“It’s exciting times for rugby in WA,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a player to play and a fan to watch the Lions come to Perth.
“I know you’ll need to get in early and get your tickets because there will be 20,000 travelling fans coming into Perth to watch the game.
“I remember back in 2013 playing at Subiaco Oval, it was etched into my memory forever. It was as exciting as playing at a World Cup.
“I know Western Force players have put it in their calendars and are all striving to get to that game.
“It’s great for rugby in WA, we’re all excited to be part of it to launch off the Lions. Get in early, get your tickets because you’ll definitely miss out if you wait.”
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster for the Force-Lions game, and Ticketek for the Wallabies-Lions games.
