On every British & Irish Lions tour, the youngest player selected has a big responsibility: looking after the official mascot.
The mascot sits by the side of the pitch for every tour match and since 2013 that mascot has been BIL – standing for British and Irish Lion.
According to the Lions, BIL replaced the previous Lions mascot Leo, who was in place for “almost two decades of duty”.
Wales and Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit will look after the plush lion in South Africa.
#2017 – Maro Itoje, aged 22
The England second-row went on to appear in all three Test matches as the Lions came from behind to secure a historic draw against the All Blacks, with the then 22-year-old one of the standout performers. He will once again be a key player for Warren Gatland as the Lions take on the Springboks this summer.
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