Sam Warburton this morning returned home a proud man, having led the British and Irish Lions to victory in Australia.
After 16 years without a tour success, the Lions secured an unforgettable series victory against the Wallabies with Saturday's fine 41-16 victory in Sydney.
It was just their fifth series win in Australia since the Second World War and represented a first tour triumph since Ian McGeechan's side headed to South Africa in 1997.
More than a hundred fans welcomed home the team at Heathrow Airport this morning, with a huge cheer going up when captain Warburton emerged with the trophy on top of his baggage trolley.
"It is a lot cleaner than it was Saturday night, that's for sure," he said. "There were a few bottles of champagne in the trophy.
"It is a great feeling. It has been a long time coming this Lions tour so it is nice to come back with a trophy. It has only been done nine times in 125 years so all the players know they are part of a very prestigious group and are very proud of that.
"It won't sink in for a long time, I think. It feels quite surreal being part of a Lions touring party.
"Only four years ago I got capped for Wales during the first Lions tour. I got on the development tour and I never thought I would be in this situation four years later.
"Maybe in a few months' time or a few years' time I might watch back a DVD and realise what we achieved."
