Inside the British & Irish Lions’ luxurious plane that took the squad to Australia

Qsuites is one of the best business class products in the world. The Players had a fully flat bed, a privacy door, stylish amenity kits, comfy pyjamas and incredible hospitality as they hit the ground running and refreshed in Perth Sunday on Sunday evening.

The special flight operated by Qatar Airways, the official title partner and airline partner of the tour, departed from Dublin to Doha, where they had a stopover before continuing on to the Southern Hemisphere.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Flying the Lions squad to Australia is more than a journey – it’s a statement of our continued commitment to the world of sport and rugby.

“We’re proud to play a central role in delivering this iconic tour, ensuring the team travels in comfort, style, and connected at every mile.”

Before the flight, players were seen playing a game of cards as they experienced Dublin Airport’s Platinum VIP services. Captain, Maro Itoje led the way with all the pictures on the tarmac before takeoff, holding BIL the Lion as he embarks on his third Lions tour and first time as Captain.

However, one of the 38 players missing from the flight was Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn, who is still on Top 14 duty with Toulouse. Instead of being on Saturday’s mammoth journey to Australia, following his side’s 32-25 victory over Bayonne in Lyon on Saturday, Kinghorn will now be focused on lifting silverware. This was also the 28-year-old’s first outing with the Stade Ernest-Wallon side since April.

His club commitments meant that he was unable to play a part in the Lions’ training in Portugal and Dublin for the Los Pumas encounter, and will miss the opening game of the tour against the Western Force next Saturday. Kinghorn is also unexpected to play against the Queensland Reds the following Wednesday evening in Brisbane.