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The British and Irish Lions unites the finest rugby players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and celebrates the very best talent from across the four home nations. A highlight of the rugby calendar, the squad tours every four years and alternates between visits to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Want to discover more about the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour? We’ve got all the information you need right here at RugbyPass. Scroll to find all the latest tour details including breaking news, squad selection, upcoming matches and results.
Lions Tour History
The British and Irish Lions are a talented test side with a history that dates back to the late 19th century. The original squad was largely composed of English, Scottish and Welsh players and the 1910 South Africa tour was the first official tour that represented all four home nations.
The team underwent two major changes for the 1950 New Zealand and Australia tour. It was the first time that squad selection involved choosing players that had previously been capped for their national team. Additionally, it was during this tour that journalists coined the nickname British Lions and gave the squad their trademark name. However, it wasn’t until their 2001 tour that the team were officially known as ‘British & Irish Lions’.
British and Irish Lions Tour Format
Since 1989, the British and Irish Lions have toured every four years. Today, the Lions’ quadrennial tour rotates between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. However, the squad has also faced other nations. This includes three tours to Argentina (1910, 1927 and 1936), as well as tests against countries such as Fiji, Canada and Japan.
The Lions’ most recent tour took place in 2021, when the squad played three tests against South Africa and five games against five top South African sides: former Super Rugby franchises (the Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers) and South Africa A.
The next British and Irish Lions tour will be held in 2025, when the world’s greatest touring team will be heading to Australia.
FAQs
Who are the British and Irish Lions?
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union test side that contains players from four national teams: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The majority of players selected to represent the Lions have already played international rugby.
The Lions play a test series away from home against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa every four years. While they tour the country, the Lions also play a number of other matches against regional and representative sides.
When did the British and Irish Lions play their first game?
The British and Irish Lions played their first game on 28 April 1888. Known then as the Shaw & Shrewsbury Team, the British side travelled to New Zealand for an unofficial tour. Their first match was against Otago RU in Dunedin and the Lions won 8-3.
How often do the British and Irish Lions play?
The British and Irish Lions play every four years. Their quadrennial tour alternates between three southern hemisphere countries: Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The Lions first faced Australia and New Zealand in 1888, followed by South Africa in 1891.
Which teams do the British and Irish Lions play against?
The British and Irish Lions currently play against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The side’s most recent tour took them to South Africa in 2021. Their next tours will take place in Australia (2025) and New Zealand (2029).
Which other teams have the British and Irish Lions played against in the past?
The British and Irish Lions have also played against seven other national teams in the past. These are Argentina, Canada, Ceylon, East Africa, Fiji, France and Japan. The Lions completed three tours in Argentina while their other international matches were played as one-off tests.
Which teams do the British and Irish Lions hold a winning record over?
The British and Irish Lions hold a winning record over Argentina, Australia, Canada, Ceylon, East Africa, France and Japan. The Lions hold a 100% test series record against Argentina and a 78% record against Australia. Additionally, the team has won 100% of their international tests against Canada, Ceylon, East Africa, France and Japan.
Which teams hold a winning record over the British and Irish Lions?
New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji hold a winning record over the British and Irish Lions. New Zealand hold a 92% test series record against the Lions, while South Africa have a 72% record. Also, Fiji won their only game against the Lions, giving them a 100% test match record.
