Jack Conan has revealed that a video message from Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor helped inspire the Lions’ memorable comeback in their series-clinching victory over Australia.
Olympic gold medallist and undisputed world super lightweight champion Taylor urged the touring party to dig deep in a good luck message before the second Test in Melbourne.
The Lions took heed of Taylor’s encouragement after overturning an 18-point deficit to win 29-26.
“The video was unbelievably poignant and powerful. It spoke about being prepared to win with skill, but also being ready to win by will,” said Ireland number eight Conan.
“That was something that was massively summed up in the game because we were not at our best at all.
“It’s huge because she comes from the town I’m from. I’m incredibly proud of where I come from and I know Katie is as well.
“She’s gone on to achieve incredible feats in the boxing world. To be such a superstar, incredibly humble and driven is something that we leant on as well because we knew that Australia are a hugely proud nation and they showed it in spades.
“Everyone loved it, even the English and the Scottish boys and the Welsh boy – it resonated with everyone. It was unbelievably poignant, it was class. It really hit home for us.”