England in fine fettle to face rugby Everest: an odyssey in

England’s forthcoming series against the All Blacks will mark the end of one era and usher in the next

In the fast-changing modern sporting world there are not many old-school Everests left. Certainly not in rugby union which, aside from the British & Irish Lions, is about to pension off traditional southern hemisphere tours. Blend it all together and there is a special resonance to England’s upcoming first trip to New Zealand in a decade, even with the Euros under way and the strawberries on order for Wimbledon.

In many ways it will mark the end of one era and usher in the next. The new Nations Championship is due to commence in 2026, with familiar touring rhythms set to be exchanged for in-and-out “business trips” involving three different opponents. England will still play the All Blacks in their back yard but not under the same claustrophobic “see-you-next-week” circumstances which have shaped the game’s greatest rivalries.