After winning the opening Test 23-21, the Lions were beaten 16-15 in the second before recording an historic 41-16 triumph in Sydney in the series finale.
Parling, one of six Leicester Tigers players in the tour squad, played in all three Tests and said: “It’s difficult to put into words how we are feeling right now. This is what you dream of isn’t it.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling, just with the way the lads from four nations have come together. There are some fantastic personalities in there and the coaches have done well getting everyone together as a group. It has been a bit surreal, the tour has flown by.”
He told Talking Rugby: “In the first Tests we didn’t really play, we didn’t have the platform. But there was massive belief in what we could do and thankfully we went out there and did it.”
Parling was in the thick of the action in the third Test, leading the lineout and enjoying a high tackle count, including a tap tackle on Wallabies full-back Jessie Mogg in a dangerous attack during the first half.
“My long arms came in useful for something!” he said. “I was just glad to get there.”
Now he is looking forward to heading home after becoming a dad for the second time, his wife giving birth to a baby daughter ahead of the opening Test.
“The important thing was that she was fit and healthy,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet her when I get home.”
