The life of a prop on a British & Irish tour is a peculiar one, if South African-born Scot Pierre Schoeman is to be believed.

He recently gave some unique insights into what players do on tour when they’re not training or embroiled in heated battles on the field.

He told Scotsman.com that the props in the squad, are getting along really well.

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“We actually have a prop group that none of our other team members are allowed on. They don’t know about it, but our secret is out now,” Schoeman said. “We are like bison, migrating together. We have a secret meeting every night. Finlay Bealham started it and now all the props have bought in.”

The Lions have six front row forwards on tour in Australia, all competing fiercely for the four available spots in the Test team.

But despite this, Schoeman says they’ve formed meaningful relationships.

“We stick together and have a tea after every training session and we get to meet each other’s families and ask deep questions. But it’s just for props in whatever hotel we live in,” the first-time Lion said.

Within the prop contingent those that fill the number one jersey have gravitated towards each other, with Schoeman striking up a close relationship with fellow “gladiators” Ellis Genge and Andrew Porter.

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“Looseheads all around the world are very similar. They are quite weird and unique people. Something isn’t right,” the South African-born Scotland prop said.

“We always say that playing rugby you must have a screw loose, but playing rugby as a loosehead prop…We like going to dark places – physically, mentally, spiritually.”

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