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British and Irish Lions get glitzy London send-off before flying East

We bet they won’t be looking so fresh-faced and dapper after a 7-week slog Down Under.

ARRIVING ONTO THE red carpet at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Rob Kearney and Cian Healy prepared themselves for another night to remember.

Having partied in Dublin less than 12 hours beforehand, following Leinster’s Pro12 Final win over Ulster, the fullback and prop, and their four provincial teammates, showed up at Latymer School in North London for a brisk training session.

Brian O’Driscoll catches up with Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs.

Lions coach Warren Gatland followed that welcome, and one for Ulster’s Tommy Bowe, by sending the lads into a cryotherapy chamber to cool off.

That’s one way for Jamie Heaslip to cure a possible hangover.

With the Leinster, Ulster, Leicester Tigers and Toulon now up to speed on coach Gat’s training methods, it was time to get suited and booted for the farewell dinner.

Lions captain Sam Warburton chats to Sky Sports.

Jamie looks refreshed after his cryo session.

‘So Tommy, how does it feel to have another Ulsterman (Rory Best) in the squad?’

Somewhere in the room is a ‘Reserved for TheScore.ie’ table placing.

Toby Faletau, Stuart Hogg, Sam Warburton and ‘BIL’ the mascot.

Your 2013 British & Irish Lions squad.

The Lions squad and backroom team fly out to Hong Kong today ahead of the first game of their 10-match tour, against the Barbarians, on Saturday 1 June.

*All pictures: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan & ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

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