All Blacks star Rieko Ioane has lifted the lid on the challenges of touring under a COVID-19 pandemic - specifically, where to get a decent haircut at a reasonable price.
As most of the world's population has found over the past two years, keeping on top of personal grooming has proved near impossible under lockdown conditions, so imagine how that translates to an image-conscious group like the national rugby team, trapped in their hotel rooms for three months.
On the eve of their test against Six Nations champions Wales, Ioane admits the quest for a trim is fraught with disappointment.
"When we first got to Perth, I think Jordie [Barrett] was the only one with clippers," he chuckles. "A couple of boys went to him and found out soon that wasn't the man to go to.
"We've actually got two decent cutters in the team - George Bower and Quinn Tupaea. They may be expensive, but in tough times, the boys are forking out a bit of cash to look fresh on Saturday."
Quizzed about the cost of their services, Ioane laments: "More than a few coffees... they'll be able to buy coffees for the year at the rate they're charging, but beggars can't be choosers, so they're in hot demand over here."
Sporting tours are often as much about visiting landmarks and experiencing local culture as playing world-class opposition, but the All Blacks have found their three-month journey virtually devoid of those perks inside their bubble.
"In a normal world, we'd be out exploring and getting to see the sights," says Ioane. "But a positive to come out of it is we've spent a lot of time in hotels and we've bonded really close as a team.
"It's forced us to be in the team room and be around everyone, and the camaraderie has been awesome. It's definitely a tour like no other that I've been on and I'm sure everyone else is feeling similar.
"It has its pros and cons - we can't go back and tell the stories of the cities we've been to and places we've seen - but the bonds we've created and the memories we're making are just as special."
Ioane was one of 11 lucky travellers to arrive early in Cardiff, bypassing last week's test against USA Eagles at Washington DC.
Instead, he and his companions huddled together in the team room with "treats and fizzies" to enjoy the 104-14 spectacle.
Ioane has been named on the wing for Sunday's clash with Wales, although he will likely transition into midfield late in the contest, with specialist winger Sevu Reece poised to come off the bench.
Join us at 5am Sunday for live updates of the All Blacks v Wales test
