Stuart Hogg’s annual battle with hay fever is being exacerbated by his role as custodian of the British and Irish Lions’ mascot.
Hogg, one of three Scots in the 37-strong squad that will depart for Hong Kong and Australia on Monday, has revealed that the mane of the fluffy lion toy is irritating his condition.
As the youngest member of the party it is the 20-year-old full-back’s responsibility to look after the mascot on tour, but he may be forced to discuss the role with head coach Warren Gatland.
“The hay fever’s a nightmare. It always comes up at the start of summer my eyes start to puff up,” he said.
“Holding that lion in my hands is bit of a nightmare because of it’s long main it gets a little bit itchy. Maybe I’ll speak with the gaffer and see what he says about that.”
Hogg, who will provide fly-half cover for Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell, insists being in charge of the mascot is fraught with danger.
He said: “It’s bit of a nightmare but being the youngest it’s a bit of a tradition to take it. I was speaking to Leigh Halfpenny about it he did it in 2009 and he said the lion was pretty small. This time it’s massive.
“When you’re packing your bag for training you pack your shorts and gum shield etc, but I have to bring the lion as well.
“I’m pretty concerned that I’ll forget my boots one day.
“I’d rather forget the lion to be fair. It’s a big responsibility because sometimes I struggle to look after myself, so to look after something else is tough.”