British & Irish Lions star 'arrested' on night out during tour

Monday, 23 June 2025 at 20:26

byRugby Rucker

The 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand was memorable for many reasons – thumping hits, epic Test matches… and a couple of eyebrow-raising ‘arrests’ off the field.

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Sean O’Brien (2017, New Zealand) – Superman’s night off

The Tullow Tank delivered more than just big carries on tour — he brought the banter too.

During a now-iconic skit, Sean O’Brien teamed up with best mate James Haskell to film one of the funniest moments of the tour. Shirtless, donning a flowing red cape, O’Brien channels his inner Superman and pretends to fly alongside Haskell’s car — mid-drive.

He cheekily knocks on the window, announces he's “off for a pint,” then soars off like a caped Irish hero. But the real punchline? Kiwi police show up and hilariously ‘arrest’ him as he hangs out of the car.

Cue mock panic, as O’Brien is bundled into the back of a patrol vehicle — only to escape moments later and sprint back to the lads in full-on Hollywood fashion. Pure rugby tour gold.

Kyle Sinckler (2017, New Zealand) – A real run-in with the law

While O’Brien’s ‘arrest’ was all in good fun, Kyle Sinckler’s brush with the New Zealand police was very much the real deal.

Fresh off the back of a gritty drawn series against the All Blacks, Sinckler was out celebrating with teammates in Central Auckland when he got caught up in a “minor incident” on the town.

Police stepped in, Sinckler was briefly arrested, but things were quickly resolved. There were no charges, and he was quietly escorted back to the team hotel.

The prop later held his hands up, apologising for the incident. A reminder that even the toughest Lions can get a bit too rowdy on tour.

10 Lions Changes Andy Farrell Must Make against Western Force

1. Dan Sheehan in for Luke Cowan-Dickie
Cowan-Dickie brought energy but faltered at the lineout. Sheehan’s throwing is sharper, and he adds mobility and form from Leinster.

2. Will Stuart in for Finlay Bealham
Bealham was solid, but Stuart offers more raw power and set-piece dominance — key against the Force pack.

3. Ollie Chessum in for Tadhg Beirne
Beirne impressed with his running lines, but Chessum brings more physicality and aerial prowess — crucial for disrupting the Force’s lineout.

4. Josh van der Flier in for Tom Curry
Despite Curry's work-rate, Van der Flier’s breakdown work and consistency make him a better fit as Farrell looks to steady the back row.

5. Jack Conan in for Ben Earl
Earl was one of the better performers, but Conan’s control at No.8 and ability to carry in tight channels earns him the nod.

6. Jamison Gibson-Park in for Alex Mitchell
Mitchell looked rushed and ineffective after halftime. Gibson-Park’s speed and composure offer a much-needed upgrade at scrum-half.

7. Finn Russell in for Fin Smith
Fin Smith struggled to impose himself. Enter Russell — the magician Farrell needs to inject some vision, control, and attacking flair.

8. Huw Jones in for Bundee Aki
Aki’s power was evident but faded. Jones brings better distribution and defensive organisation at outside centre, linking nicely with Tuipulotu.

9. James Lowe in for Duhan van der Merwe
Van der Merwe had a patchy outing, and Lowe’s left boot and creativity could unlock the Force’s defence from deep.

10. Hugo Keenan in for Marcus Smith
Smith’s shaky positioning and lack of control under the high ball cost the Lions. Keenan is calm, composed and positionally solid — exactly what the back three needs.

Farrell's Updated XV to Face Western Force

15. Hugo Keenan
14. James Lowe
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Tommy Freeman
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
8. Jack Conan
7. Jac Morgan
6. Josh van der Flier
5. Ollie Chessum
4. Maro Itoje
3. Will Stuart
2. Dan Sheehan
1. Ellis Genge