George North Revives His Famous 2013 Moment in Australia

Picking up where he left off in the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, professional Welsh rugby player George North is back down under reliving one of his most iconic Lions moments. During the Wallabies and Lions second test match in 2013, the powerhouse player lifted his Aussie rival over his shoulder and ran with him down the pitch. Twelve years later, George has returned to Australian shores to recreate his iconic pick-up moment in various destinations across Australia, rallying fans ahead of the eagerly awaited 2025 Tour.

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia kicking off in Perth from June 28, over 40,000 British and Irish fans are expected to cheer on the Lions against their friendly rivals, the Wallabies. In preparation for the Tour, George has been spotted honing a few new skills alongside Australian rugby icon Tim Horan.

Brisbane

Beginning his Aussie adventure in Queensland’s capital city Brisbane, George met up with Tim Horan for a scenic tour of the city by bike and kayak with Riverlife Adventure Centre. They enjoyed some banter over a beer at Felons Brewery about who will take home the trophy, with George concluding his day taking part in a Beer Yoga class.

Perth

Flying across the country to Western Australia, George was seen energizing Lions fans ahead of the Lions’ first match at Optus Stadium in Perth. His adventure continued with a surfing lesson at Go Surf Perth on Leighton Beach, where he humorously lifted a Wallabies-inspired green and gold surfboard over his shoulder to nod at the iconic moment. George also ziplined past Optus Stadium at the Matagarup Zip+Climb experience and toasted to his unforgettable Aussie adventure at Faber Vineyard in Perth’s Swan Valley wine region.

George North shared his thoughts on his recent adventures in Australia:

“With the Tour bringing so many Lions fans down to Australia, it felt like the perfect time to experience the country in a different way – not as a player, but as a traveller. This trip has been incredible. And I think the 2025 Tour promises big moments, like everyone at home I’ll be backing the Lions to go all the way.”

“Australia really has so much to offer. If you’re only sticking to the stadiums, you’re missing some of the best bits. Get out there – whether it’s soaking up the sights, sharing a beer with the locals – or better yet, a beer yoga class – there’s no shortage of adventure. To any Brits thinking about making the trip, just go for it. Australia’s epic.”

Andrew Boxall, Regional General Manager for Tourism Australia in the UK & Northern Europe commented, “We’re delighted to be celebrating the British & Irish Lions Tour Down Under this month, and what an incredible way to do so with Lions legend George North. It’s been a pleasure to show George the sights of Brisbane and Perth. We encourage all Lions fans heading to Australia to enjoy everything there is to do and see beyond the rugby pitch.”

The British and Irish Lions Tour is among many major sporting events slated for Australia, inviting international travelers to Come and Say G’day. Other significant events upcoming in Australia include the Ashes series this December 2025 – January 2026, the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2029 respectively, and the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane in 2032.