The British and Irish Lions tour is now an eagerly anticipated event taking place every four years. Thousands of supporters from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales travel to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to follow a Lions tour, providing a sizeable economic boost for the hosts.
Victorious Home Unions Rugby Tour
The earliest occasion of a combined 'Home Unions' side touring the Southern Hemisphere took place in 1888 during a visit to Australia and New Zealand. No Test matches took place but there were 35 matches against provincial, city and academic sides. An important precedent had been established and three years later an officially sanctioned British Isles side toured South Africa. Included in this tour were three Tests against South Africa, with the British Isles completing a hat-trick.
The 1924 tour to South Africa possibly marked the first time that the tourists were referred to as 'The Lions' and in 1930 they wore, for the first time, the now traditional red shirt, white shorts and blue socks with green tops to represent the four Unions.
Early Success of the British Lions
The early 1970s marked a golden era in Lions' rugby. In 1971 the British Lions won a Test series 2-1 against New Zealand for the first time. It was an era of the brilliant Welsh side and the tour was coached by Carwyn James, captained by John Dawes, and the team had the notable and world class half-back pairing of Gareth Edwards and Barry John!
Hard Hitting Rugby Footage
This was followed up by the notorious and at times brutal tour of South Africa in 1974. The tour was coached by Syd Millar and captained by fellow Irishman Willie John McBride. The Lions won Test series by 3-0 (with one draw), and it featured the infamous '99' call, which was as signal for everyone to 'wade in' at the sign of trouble. The Lions ended the tour unbeaten.
A Lions tour reminds me very much of the Ryder Cup in golf. To be selected is regarded as a huge honour in the career of every rugby player, and for this one event it is the prestige and pride which prevails over the professionalism of the sport.