The rugby community came together for a special ceremony in Maitland ahead of the Wallabies' first match of the year against Fiji in Newcastle, with the Maitland Blacks hosting a touching tribute to the Lions' first captain.
Robert Seddon, the Lions' first captain, lost his life on the first ever tour in 1888, drowned in the Hunter River in a sculling accident.
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The story passed into Maitland folklore, with the community banding together to pay tribute to the Lions captain, laying him to rest in Campbell's Hill Cemetery.
The Maitland Blacks have preserved the memory of Seddon ever since, regularly tending and managing the grave - with the Lions making several return pilgrimages over the years to pay their respects.
For the 2025 tour, the community banded together once again, with members of the Rugby Australia board and the Lions board meeting in the cemetery on Sunday morning to pay their respects.
Waugh believes that the story of Seddon and his continued memory serves as a valuable reminder as to what rugby is all about.
"I think one of the great aspects of rugby is the history of the game," Waugh said to Rugby.com.au.
"You go back to 1888 when the Lions first toured 137 years ago, and we're here in with Maitland Rugby Club. You have players from all around the world playing rugby and you've got a regional rugby club looking after a British and Irish Lions burial, it's pretty important.
"Rugby is far bigger than just the game. I think that connection and community and the care for those that are involved in the game all around the world, you see it everywhere.
"You see it in every rugby club around the world and Maitland's another great example - a great regional rugby club and a real appreciation for the history of the game; there's no greater history really than the British and Irish Lions."
Waugh also took time out to visit the Blacks' post-ceremony celebrations at Marcellin Rugby Park, taking time to do some training with the Maitland Juniors.
"One of the biggest focuses for us has been on the connection between the national governing body and all our local rugby clubs," Waugh said.
"I really appreciate everything Maitland Rugby Club does in the region for young boys and girls, right through to seniors - and obviously preserving the burial site of Robert."
The business side of things wasn't far from Waugh's mind, with the Lions and Wallabies now entering their final stages of preparation before the first Test in Brisbane - with history also on the line with the Swannell, and the Tom Richards medal up for grabs.
"It's pretty special if you've played for the Lions and for the Wallabies," said Waugh.
"Blair Swannell and Tom Richards and their histories and how that's connected to the game, everyone's got a really strong alignment and respect for the history of the game.
"In a lot of ways that's what makes the game as special as it is."
Waugh made the journey up from Sydney, fresh off the Waratahs determined performance against the Lions - with the crowd giving him and former Prime Minister John Howard plenty of love.
"That was probably one of the special nights for rugby in New South Wales and in Sydney," said Waugh.
"I think that the way the guys went about their business and the way that they played and the way that they wore the jersey - they all should be incredibly proud.
"I've got a long and strong relationship with the former Prime Minister; he's a great lover of rugby and a great supporter of rugby. To experience last night's atmosphere and the pride that the Waratahs showed in the jersey with the former Prime Minister was a great honour," he said.
"I think he still wears that tracksuit, but I've got to get him a new one, maybe, we'll look after him."
