Tommy Freeman's Lions call comes at a heavy price

Tommy Freeman has revealed reaching the pinnacle of his career with the British and Irish Lions has cost him over £12,000 after fulfilling a promise made to his parents.

Freeman returns to the setting of his England debut in 2022 at Suncorp Stadium when he starts Saturday’s first Test against Australia on the right wing.

It was during that tour he pledged to fly his mum and dad – Sara and Cliff – Down Under in business class if he were to return with the elite of British and Irish rugby.

“My parents came to Australia in 2022. It was very last minute because I didn’t think I was going to play out here, so I told them not to come,” Freeman said.

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“I eventually got selected and then they flew out. It was last minute so I told them that if I get picked for the Lions I would pay for their business class seats, which has backfired!”

Freeman believes his selection against the Wallabies has provided his parents with a welcome lift following an accident which happened while following the Lions around Australia.

“I gave them a ring and they are having troubles of their own. Mum has just broken her foot so she has had surgery in Adelaide,” he said.

“They were travelling from Canberra to Adelaide and thought they would drive it so they pulled over and got some photos….

“It has not gone well on that front so a bit of good news for them was good. Mum’s main concern was being fit enough to fly to get here in time.

“They were obviously delighted and all the travelling miles they have put in for me has paid off.

“It’s amazing to be able to give back because I am not that pleasant to be around on game day with the nerves. I can be a bit grumpy, so for it all to pay off with moments like this is extra special.”

Freeman ran in 15 tries in 12 matches coming into the Lions tour and has fulfilled expectations by nailing down a Test spot with his roaming threat and ability in the air winning the approval of head coach Andy Farrell.

“It’s not like the olden days when you have speed on the wings and you just kind of stay on your wing,” said the 24-year-old, who also covers outside centre.

“I want to find the ball as much as possible and playing in the midfield has helped with finding cues where I can pop up in spaces. I want to have an impact.”