Australian Rugby - Wallabies v British & Irish Lions

Wallabies fans can dress like lion hunters

ESPN Staff

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is taking unusual steps to ensure a golden glow to outshine the "sea of red" heading to Australia for the three Tests between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions, having 50,000 gold-coloured safari hats made to give away to fans at the grounds.

The hat has been designed to mimic the pith helmets worn during colonial lion hunts.

Lions fans took Australia by storm in 2001, when their colourful presence ensured the tourists felt at home - particularly in the first Test at the 'Gabba.

The ARU took steps then to have produced thousands of gold Wallabies scarves in a "Be Bold, Wear Gold" campaign designed to reclaim home ground advantage for the second and third Tests, but the union this time has taken steps to ensure Australia's fans are prepared from the start.

"We want the Wallabies greeted by grandstands of gold when they run out in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney," ARU media and communications manager Peter Jenkins told Rugby Gold.

"The last time the Lions were here in 2001, their fans stole a march and all you saw at the first Test was red. It triggered a Be Bold, Wear Gold call to arms that 12 years later will again be central to the battle against the Lions.

"The safari hats will be our gift to the fans and their gift to the players."

Now for the songsheets ...

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