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The British and Irish Lions is a representative team containing the finest rugby players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A highlight of the rugby calendar, the squad competes every four years and alternates between tours of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Want to discover more about the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour of 2025? We’ve got all the information you need right here. Scroll to find all the latest details, including breaking news, squad updates, upcoming matches and stats.
Lions Tour History
The British and Irish Lions is 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. In fact, the 1910 South Africa tour was the first official tour where the players represented all four of the home nations.
During the 1950 New Zealand and Australia tour, journalists coined the nickname ‘British Lions’. However, it wasn’t until their 2001 tour that the team officially became known as the ‘British and 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 the four home nations: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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 an away test series 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 have emerged victorious in 92% of the test series they’ve competed in against the British and Irish Lions. Meanwhile, South Africa have won 72% of the series they’ve competed in against the Lions. Also, Fiji won the only match they have ever played against the Lions.
