Every four years, the British & IrishLions embark on one of the most complex and anticipated undertakings in worldsport. A Lions rugby tour brings together players, coaches, performance teams,operations staff, commercial partners, and global supporters — all movingacross continents for a concentrated period of elite competition. Managing thefinancial foundations of such an operation is critical.
Chief Financial Officer Clare McMonagle andher finance team are responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable,treasury management, FX, and the broader financial oversight that keeps theentire organisation functioning. Time zones shift daily, demands fluctuaterapidly, and financial needs must be met without delay or disruption.
To help execute this successfully, the Lionscontinually look for partners and technologies that improve efficiency, reducecomplexity, and allow the finance team to focus on what matters most:supporting the rugby team's performance on the field.
In the run up to the 2025 tour, Sokin came on board to work withthe Lions' finance team to offer assistance in ensuring their financial operationswere supported by tools, processes, and expertise that matched the scale andambition of the tour itself. Clare McMonagle andher team were interested in the technologies and efficiencies which Sokin couldoffer which may allow freedom to Clare McMonagle and her team to devotemore energy to strategic support now and in thefuture — ensuring players, coaches, and staff received what they needed,when they needed it. Plans are in place to utilisemore of Sokin’s capability as the British & Irish Lions moves towards theirhistoric inaugural Women’s Series.
"For a Lions tour to run successfully,every operational detail has to be world-class. Businesses like Sokin providethe kind of support that strengthens our financial operation and ultimatelycontributes to the team's success on and off the pitch."
ClareMcMonagle, CFO, British & Irish Lions