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Moriarty: Lions training is a dream

Moriarty: Lions training is a dream

Ross Moriarty is loving life with the British & Irish Lions squad as he aims to make a mark on next month’s 10-match tour of New Zealand.

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The Wales No 8 joined up with 13 other members of Warren Gatland’s squad at the Vale Resort this week where they have been put through a series of brutal fitness and rugby sessions.

Gatland’s Lions face their first match of the tour on June 3 against the Provincial Barbarians.

Moriarty is likely to feature in that opening game and says he would relish the opportunity to get out to New Zealand.

He said: “It has been really enjoyable, but quite strange to meet players you have been playing against for a few years. Some boys have been in the environment before and some have not, so there is always lots to learn.

“There have been lots of early starts and fitness sessions. We get on the bikes at 7.30am and do a bit of altitude training. But hard work pays off in the end. It has been intense, but a good mixture of everything.

“It is always a step up. Some people only get one chance at this level, so nobody will be holding anything back. You have to push yourself to the edge and then the rugby becomes easier.”

The Gloucester back-row man has had a superb season with the Cherry and Whites and transferred that form on to the international scene with Wales where he started all five Six Nations games.

His form was rewarded when Gatland named him in his Lions squad.

“I was always hopeful I was going to be involved,” admitted the 23-year-old powerhouse.

“To hear your name called out was overwhelming and such a big thing for me. I was having food with my girlfriend at the time. My phone went mad, but I spoke to my parents first as it was a big day for the family.

“It is every players’ dream to play at the highest level and the British & Irish Lions is the peak of that. But it does not stop after this, I will keep on pushing.”

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