British and Irish Lions 2025 captain Maro Itoje sent a classy message to Australia after he helped his side to an impressive series win.
Saturday’s third and final clash ended in disappointment for the Lions, as they fell just short in recording a historic series whitewash, after Australia ran out deserved 22-12 victors.
It was further disappointment for the 30-year-old, as he left the pitch after 27 minutes due to injury. He failed the subsequent head injury assessment at half-time, meaning the end of his series.
After the game, Itoje remained grateful for the “privilege” of touring Australia, sending a classy message to his counterparts.
Maro Itoje thanked Australia for the 'privilege' of touring the country
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“I would like to say thank you to Rugby Australia, it is a massive privilege to tour this great nation,” he said. “Thank you to our support staff, you have been amazing.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to the sea of red from our first game to today, you have been sensational."
The Lions were searching for their first whitewash over their rivals since 1904, but fell short amid adverse weather conditions, including severe lightning storms, that was dealt with better by the Wallabies.
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British and Irish Lions won the series 2-1 despite losing 22-12 on the day
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After an early try from Dylan Pietsch, Australia continued their storming start by extending their lead just six minutes before half-time with Tom Lynagh converting a penalty, despite previously missing the conversion in the opening ten minutes.
As Australia entered half-time at 8-0 to the good, lightning strikes ensued, forcing players to run inside for cover.
There were fears that the fixture would have to be abandoned, ultimately ending the series in a farce.
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However, after a 40-minute delay the fixture resumed with Australia once again starting the better, as Max Jorgensen scored the Wallabies’ second try of the match to extend their lead further, followed by a successful conversion.
With just 18 minutes remaining, Jac Morgan got the Lions on the scoresheet with their first try, followed by Finn Russell converting his effort.
Australia then secured victory through Tate McDermott, getting over the line for Australia’s third try of the match.
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British and Irish Lions were well-beaten on the day
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After the conclusion of the match, and ultimately the series, Owen Farrell agreed with Itoje by praising Australia’s hospitality, claiming he has “loved” the tour.
"The main thing I can say since I've been out here, and not that I didn't with Sky, I loved it,” he said. “This group has been unbelievable. The feeling that these boys created before, well before I arrived, helped me come into this team and slot in easily.
"It felt like I had been here all along. Credit to what they've been doing and obviously what we achieved on the back of it.
"Tadhg Furlong [will be social secretary] is at the front of the bus every day. He's leading the boys and he's determined to get us back together in 12 years. We'll put money in the pot every month and see what we come up with."
While the Lions failed to get a historic whitewash over the line, the squad can be proud of their efforts in what has been a superb series performance.
Coach Andy Farrell concluded the tour by expressing his delight with the squad, saying: “Although we’re disappointed, we should be unbelievably proud of what we’ve achieved.
“Lions tours are tough, and to do what we have done last week and get the series in the bag, upon reflection of tonight I’m sure we’ll be super proud.”