Lions caught up in Storm Ashley chaos

NEWS: The unbeaten Lions encountered an unexpected obstacle as they headed to Ireland for a Round Six United Rugby Championship face-off with Leinster.

Second in the tournament standings – after wins over Ulster (35-22), Edinburgh (55-21), the Dragons (23-19) and Zebre (10-9) – they face the table-topping Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.

However, their trip from Parma to Dublin did not go according to plan.

Storm Ashley made landing difficult and the Lions’ pilot, after an attempt to put the plane down, aborted the landing and diverted to Manchester.

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Swiss plane didn’t make it! Hard wind over #DublinAirport now!@CarlowWeather @Shauns_Aviation pic.twitter.com/aTphtUjmYH

— Life Monitor (@Lifemonitor1) October 20, 2024

Twenty-seven flights had to perform ‘go-arounds’ at Dublin Airport on Sunday due to the severe conditions presented by Storm Ashley.

Another 28 pilots – including the plane carrying the Lions – opted to divert to other airports.

Dublin Airport has also confirmed that around 60 flights due to depart or land in Dublin have been cancelled due to adverse conditions.

Footage of some of the go-arounds at Dublin Airport highlights just how difficult the storm conditions are for approaching aircraft.

The Lions finally departed Manchester for Dublin on Monday, but have lost the day’s training.

By Annemie Bester & Jan de Koning
@rugby365com

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