The British & Irish Lions. The pinnacle of the sport. The best of four nations – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
They’re back for a tour of Australia this summer.
Not heard of the Lions? All good. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the summer of rugby.
A brief history of the Lions
Since 1888. That’s the famous year the British and Irish Lions were first formed. Led by captain Robert Seddon, a party of 22 made their way to Australia and New Zealand for a tour that lasted 249 days.
The first match took place in Otago, with 10,000 spectators watching and the Lions wearing a red, white and blue striped jersey.
Eight tours and 22 years later, it was the 1910 tour of South Africa that was officially sanctioned. A 26-strong squad wore blue jerseys that featured the quartered crest of the four home unions.
The series ended in a 2-1 defeat, but the Lions legacy was in full motion.
After a 12-year break due to WWII, the Lions were back to tour in 1950. This time in a brand-new red home shirt, complete with white socks and blue and green socks. The perfect combo of all home nations.
A tour of New Zealand was always the toughest. But the Lions finally made their big breakthrough in 1971. That group became the first and still, to date, only Lions side to win a series against the All Blacks.
1989 was the first party that modelled the modern-day Lions tour, as the side played just 12 games including three tests in and against Australia.
The ’97 tour of South Africa was the first in the professional era, and it showed. Just two losses across 13 tour fixtures and a 2-1 test series win proved the change in mentality.
The last time the Lions toured Australia in 2013 saw a crushing 41-16 win in the third and deciding test that claimed victory over the Wallabies. Now, the 2025 squad is assembled for its return.
British & Irish Lions squad
In May, head coach Andy Farrell named his 38-man squad to face Australia, made up of 15 from Ireland, 13 from England, eight Scots and two Welshmen.
14 of the 38 could make their Lions Debut, while three-time tourist and England captain Maro Itoje will lead the line as skipper.
The youngest in the touring party? Northampton and England’s Henry Pollock. The 20-year-old has quickly become the hottest talent in world rugby. But with all good tours comes fines, and as the youngster of camp, Pollock is challenged with Looking after Bill the Lion (a giant toy lion).
British & Irish Lions fixtures
The 2025 squad will first play together in an uncapped fixture against Argentina in Dublin, before flying out Down Under to begin their tour.
Five warm-up games against provincial sides will help Farrell settle his starting 23 for the first test on Saturday, 19th July. There’ll be one more midweek match between the first and second tests.
The third and final test between the Lions and Australia will take place on Saturday, 2nd August.
British & Irish Lions gear
Got your tickets for Australia? Make sure you’ve packed the essentials. Our British & Irish Lions collection from Canterbury has your support covered.
Classic Lions shirts, training tops and the official British & Irish Lions jersey, we’ve got you.
