‘Travelling 21 Hours to Go Home!’ – Wrexham Captain James McClean Soaks Up Australia Tour

James McClean Reflects on Aussie Winter, Jet Lag, and Wrexham’s Hollywood-Fueled Journey Down Under

In the world of football, pre-season tours can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it’s a chance to build fitness, cohesion, and brand exposure. On the other? Long flights, jet lag, and the kind of disorientation that makes you question what day it is. Just ask Wrexham captain James McClean, who’s currently living that reality in Australia.

The veteran winger—now skipper of a club that has gone from non-league obscurity to international stardom—didn’t mince his words when describing the feeling of swapping Wales for winter Down Under. “It’s like travelling 21 hours to go home,” he joked. And yet, amidst the weather woes and cultural curveballs, there’s a sense that something special is happening on this trip for the Red Dragons.

A New Era of Wrexham – Now with Frequent Flyer Miles

James McClean Wrexham 2025

Phil Parkinson’s men have touched down in Australia and New Zealand for a high-profile pre-season tour. It’s the kind of journey that would have been unthinkable just three years ago, back when Wrexham were grinding it out in the National League with little fanfare outside their loyal fan base.

But the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds effect has changed everything. Now, Wrexham are a club with global ambitions, Championship dreams, and Hollywood credibility. Their journey to the other side of the world is more than just preparation—it’s a statement.

Friendly fixtures in Melbourne, Sydney, and Wellington have given the squad a taste of Aussie and Kiwi hospitality. But for some players—like McClean—it’s also been a reminder of just how far they’ve come… literally.

Jet Lag, Opera Houses, and the Joys of the Aussie Winter

Writing in his column for The Athletic, McClean gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at life on tour. “We’ve been acting the tourist a bit and Sydney seems a lovely place,” he shared. “We visited the Sydney Opera House, among a few other sights. We didn’t go in but were down in that area, which was great.”

But this isn’t the Australia of holiday brochures. The squad arrived in the heart of the southern hemisphere’s winter, and Melbourne wasn’t exactly giving beach weather. “It was cold, it was wet, and the weather was a bit dull. A bit like being back home, really,” said McClean, dryly. “I was saying to the lads, ‘It’s like travelling 21 hours to go home’.”

Thankfully, things brightened up in Sydney—literally. “Since getting to Sydney, though, the weather has been a bit brighter. That always helps and I’ve been enjoying it.”

Culture Shock? Or Just Personal Preference?

Not every player embraces new experiences the same way. While some of the squad checked out major Aussie sporting institutions—like the legendary MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and an AFL clash between Carlton and the Brisbane Lions—McClean took a different route.

“Cricket isn’t for me. A sport I have zero interest in,” he admitted. “Never, ever excited me, so I decided to give it a miss.” As for the Aussie Rules game? Same deal. “It’s not a sport I watch.”

Instead, McClean opted for something simpler—and arguably more relatable. “I went out for some food,” he said. “The lads who went had a great time. They all came back saying how good the experience had been. I’m sure they enjoyed it, but again, it’s not a sport I watch.”

It’s this kind of candid honesty that has made McClean both respected and polarizing throughout his career. Whether talking about politics, his heritage, or—apparently—Australian sport, he says what he thinks.

Wrexham 3–0 Melbourne Victory: A Flying Start

On the pitch, though, there’s less room for debate. Wrexham opened their tour with a dominant 3-0 win over A-League outfit Melbourne Victory. The performance was clinical and energetic—hallmarks of a side gearing up for a tough Championship campaign.

It’s easy to forget just how far this team has come. With four successive promotions now a genuine possibility, Parkinson and his men are looking to ride the momentum of two years of success (and Netflix-driven popularity) into something historic.

Their next test? A clash with Sydney FC. It’s another high-profile match, another chance to showcase their new global identity, and another stop on a journey that seems to keep defying expectations.

Life in the Championship Looms Large

This tour isn’t just about bonding or brand building—it’s about getting serious. Wrexham are entering the EFL Championship, one of the most grueling, relentless leagues in world football. Midweek fixtures, tight turnarounds, and physical battles await them every single week.

And while McClean is no stranger to the Championship—having spent years there with the likes of West Brom, Sunderland, and Stoke—many of his teammates are about to get their first taste of the league’s unique demands.

That’s why these tours matter. It’s not just about jet lag and sightseeing. It’s about sharpening the blade before battle.

Hollywood Still Watching from Afar

While Reynolds and McElhenney haven’t made the trip to Australia in person, their presence is still felt. Every Wrexham shirt worn by an Aussie kid, every Instagram story from training, every post-match interview—it all carries the unmistakable stamp of the co-owners’ influence.

They’ve turned Wrexham into more than a football club. It’s a brand. A story. A community. And tours like this are the next logical step in turning that story into something truly global.

McClean’s Role as Leader

As captain, McClean has more than just performance on his shoulders. He’s the voice in the dressing room, the presence on the training ground, the figurehead on tours like these. He’s played for big clubs and in big games, and now he’s using that experience to help guide a squad that includes youth prospects, new signings, and a few players still adjusting to the idea of being watched by millions.

His honesty in interviews might seem blunt, but it reflects a deep sense of pride and responsibility. He’s not just here for the ride—he’s here to win.

What’s Next for the Red Dragons?

James McClean Wrexham 2025

Wrexham’s tour continues with matches in Sydney and then over the water in Wellington, New Zealand. After that, it’s back to the UK and straight into the final stages of pre-season before the real work begins.

Promotion to the Premier League might feel like a fairytale, but if the last two seasons have taught us anything, it’s that Wrexham don’t deal in limitations. With a proven manager, a hungry squad, financial stability, and global fan support, they’ve got every right to dream big.

And if they do make it all the way? Well, James McClean might just find himself on another 21-hour flight—only this time, to Hollywood.