British & Irish Lions facts for kids

British & Irish Lions

Unions	Rugby Football Union Irish Rugby Football Union Scottish Rugby Union Welsh Rugby Union
Coach(es)	Andy Farrell (2025)
Captain(s)	Alun Wyn Jones (2021)
Most caps	Willie John McBride (17)
Top scorer	Gavin Hastings (69)
Most tries	Tony O'Reilly (6)
Team kit
First match
Otago 3–8 Shaw & Shrewsbury Team (28 April 1888)
Largest win
Western Australia 10–116 British & Irish Lions (8 June 2001)
Largest test win
Argentina 0–46 British Lions (7 Aug 1927)
Largest defeat
New Zealand 38–6 British Lions (16 July 1983)
Largest test defeat
New Zealand 38–6 British Lions (16 July 1983)
Official website
Current season

The British & Irish Lions is a special rugby union team. Players are chosen from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Lions usually pick players who have already played for their country. But they can also choose new players.

The team goes on a big tour every four years. These tours rotate between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The most recent tour was in 2021 against South Africa. South Africa won that series 2–1. Combined British rugby teams have been touring since 1888. The first tour was a private trip. Later tours got more official support. In 1949, the four rugby unions officially created a committee for tours. The Lions won important series in 1971 (New Zealand) and 1974 (South Africa).

About the British & Irish Lions

Team Name

The team that first played in 1888 was called the Shaw and Shrewsbury team. It had players from England, Scotland, and Wales. Later, the team was known as the British Isles. In 1950, they officially became the British Lions. This nickname came from journalists in 1924. They noticed the lion emblem on the players' ties.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was one country when the team started. Even after the Irish Free State was formed in 1922, the team was still called the British Lions. The name "British & Irish Lions" has been used since their tour to Australia in 2001. People often just call them "the Lions."

Team Anthem

The Lions team represents four different rugby unions from two countries. Because of this, they do not have a national anthem. For their 1989 tour, they used "God Save the Queen." In 2005, a song called "The Power of Four" was made for them. But fans did not like it much, so it has not been used since.

Team Colours and Kit

For over 70 years, the Lions have worn a red jersey. It has a special crest that combines the symbols of the four unions. Before 1950, their uniforms looked very different.

Early Jerseys

In 1888, the first team wore jerseys with thick red, white, and blue stripes. They had white shorts and dark socks. Tours in 1891 and 1896 used red and white striped jerseys with dark blue shorts and socks. The 1899 tour to Australia went back to red, white, and blue jerseys. The 1908 Anglo-Welsh team wore red jerseys with a thick white stripe.

Blue Jerseys and the Lion Crest

Lions crest adopted in 1924

Lions logo until 2023

In 1910, dark blue jerseys were introduced. They had white shorts and red socks. These jerseys also had a single lion crest. The 1924 tour kept the blue jerseys. This was the first time the team was called "the Lions." This was ironic because the lion crest was replaced with a new badge. This new badge showed symbols of the four unions. But players wore lion motifs on their ties, leading to the nickname.

In 1930, the blue jerseys caused a problem in New Zealand. New Zealand's team, the All Blacks, also wore dark colours. New Zealand agreed to wear white for the test matches. In 1930, a green flash was added to the socks for Ireland. This green has been part of the uniform ever since.

Red Jerseys Adopted

The red jersey was first used on the 1950 tour. This was to avoid colour clashes like in 1930. The uniform became a red jersey, white shorts, and green and blue socks. This is still the main uniform today. Since 1993, sponsor logos have been added to the jerseys.

Jersey Evolution

1888

1891–1896

1899–1904

1908

1910–1938

1950–present

The Lions Squad

History of the Lions

Early Tours (1888–1909)

Shaw & Shrewsbury Team, 1888, The first British or Irish touring rugby team, a private-enterprise trip to Australia and New Zealand

The first tours began in 1888. A team of 21 players visited Australia and New Zealand. Most players were from England, but some were from Scotland and Wales. They played 35 matches against local teams, winning 27 of them.

Two images of the 1891 tour on South Africa where the team –despite its label as an 'England' side, included several Scots; (left): A group photograph of a team, (right): match v Cape Colony, the first of the tour that totalised 20 games

In 1891, the first official tour happened in South Africa. The team played 20 matches, including three test matches. They won all three tests. The touring side also gave the Currie Cup to Griqualand West. This was because they thought Griqualand West played the best.

In 1896, a British Isles team returned to South Africa. They played 21 games, winning three of four test matches. In 1899, the team went back to Australia. For the first time, the squad had players from all four home nations. They played 21 matches and won three of four tests against Australia.

The full squad that in 1899 returned to Australia, where they played 21 games, including four tests

In 1903, the British Isles team toured South Africa again. They lost the test series, drawing twice and losing one match. In 1904, the team visited Australia and New Zealand. They won every game in Australia, including all three tests. In New Zealand, they found it tougher, losing their test match.

The Lions team that toured on Australia and New Zealand in 1904. They played four test, winning three

Another tour took place in 1908 to Australia and New Zealand. This time, there were more matches in New Zealand. The Anglo-Welsh team (without Irish and Scottish players) played well in non-test matches. However, they lost two tests against New Zealand and drew one.

Middle Years (1910–1949)

Official photo of the squad that toured on South Africa in 1910

The 1910 tour to South Africa was the first official tour with players from all four unions. The team won just over half their matches. South Africa won the test series 2–1. Another British team toured Argentina in 1910, winning all their games.

The next tour was in 1924, again in South Africa. The team faced many injuries. They lost three of four test matches, drawing one. In 1927, a short tour to Argentina happened. The British Isles won all nine games.

The British Lions before playing the 4th. match v. Argentina during their second tour to the country in 1927

In 1930, the Lions toured New Zealand and Australia. They won most of their non-test games. But they lost three of four test matches against New Zealand. They also lost a test in Australia. In 1936, the British Isles visited Argentina for the third time. They won all ten matches. In 1938, the Lions toured South Africa. They won more than half their non-test matches. They lost the test series but won the final test.

Post-War Era (1950–1969)

The first tour after World War II was to New Zealand and Australia in 1950. The Lions had new jerseys and a fresh playing style. They won 22 and drew one of 29 matches. They drew one test against New Zealand but lost the other three. They won both tests against Australia.

In 1955, the Lions toured South Africa. They won 19 of 25 matches. The four-test series against South Africa ended in a draw. The 1959 tour to Australia and New Zealand was also very successful. The Lions won both tests against Australia. They lost the first three tests against New Zealand but won the last one.

The 1960s started with less success. In 1962, the Lions won 16 of 25 games in South Africa. But they lost three of four tests against the Springboks. In 1966, John Robins became the first Lions coach. The team did well in Australia, winning all non-tests and two tests. In New Zealand, they lost all their tests. They also played and won a test against Canada on their way home. In 1968, the Lions won 15 of 16 provincial matches in South Africa. However, they lost three tests against the Springboks and drew one.

Modern Era (1970–Present)

The 1970s were a great time for the Lions. The 1971 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia team, led by Welsh players Gareth Edwards and Barry John, won the series against New Zealand. They won 11 games in a row before beating New Zealand in the first test. They won the series 2–1.

The 1974 British Lions tour to South Africa was one of the most famous Lions teams. Led by Willie John McBride, the team went unbeaten in 22 games. They won the test series 3–0, with one draw. This series was known for being very tough and physical. The 1977 British Lions tour to New Zealand saw the Lions lose only one non-test game. But they lost the test series, winning one game and losing three. In 1977, Fiji beat the Lions 25–21.

The Lions toured South Africa in 1980. They won all 14 non-test matches. But they lost the first three tests to South Africa, winning only the last one. The 1983 tour to New Zealand saw the team do well in non-test games. However, they lost all four test matches against New Zealand.

A tour to South Africa was planned for 1986. But it was cancelled due to political reasons at the time. The Lions did not return to South Africa until 1997. The Lions toured Australia in 1989. This was a shorter tour with 12 matches. The Lions won all eight non-test matches. They also won the test series against Australia 2–1.

The tour to New Zealand in 1993 was the last before rugby became professional. The Lions won six and lost four non-test matches. They lost the test series 2–1. The tour to South Africa in 1997 was a big success. The Lions lost only two games and won the test series 2–1.

The British & Irish Lions against New Zealand in 2005

In 2001, the Lions toured Australia. The Wallabies won the test series 2–1. In the Lions' 2005 tour to New Zealand, they won seven games against local teams. But they lost all three tests badly.

In 2009, the Lions toured South Africa. They faced the World Cup winners. They lost the first test 26–21. They lost the series in the second test, 28–25. The Lions won the third test 28–9, so the series ended 2–1 to South Africa.

In 2013, the British & Irish Lions toured Australia. Warren Gatland was the head coach. The Lions won all but one non-test match. They won the first test against Australia 23–21. Australia won the second test 16–15. In the final test, the Lions won 41–16. This was their first series win since 1997.

Warren Gatland was coach again for the tour to New Zealand in 2017. The tour included 10 games. The Lions won some games and lost some. They lost the first test to New Zealand 30–15. In the second test, the Lions beat a New Zealand team with 14 players. This tied the series. The final test ended in a draw, so the series was tied.

Warren Gatland was the Lions head coach again for the tour to South Africa in 2021. The tour was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. All games were played without fans. South Africa won the test series 2–1. In 2024, Andy Farrell was named the new Lions head coach. A women's Lions team was also created in 2024. Their first tour to New Zealand will be in 2027.

Lions Match Records

Here are some facts about how the Lions have played in test matches.

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	For	Against	Diff.	W%
ANZAC XV	1	1	0	0	19	15	+4	100
Argentina	7	6	0	1	236	31	+205	85.71
Australia	23	17	6	0	414	248	+166	73.91
Canada	1	1	0	0	19	8	+11	100
Ceylon	2	2	0	0	89	6	+83	100
East Africa	2	2	0	0	89	12	+77	100
Fiji	1	0	1	0	21	25	–4	0
France	1	1	0	0	29	27	+2	100
Japan	1	1	0	0	28	10	+18	100
New Zealand	41	7	30	4	399	700	–301	17.07
Rest of Europe XV	1	1	0	0	43	18	+25	100
Rhodesia/Southern Rhodesia	9	9	0	0	265	83	+182	100
South Africa	49	18	25	6	554	636	–82	36.73
South West Africa	4	4	0	0	69	22	+47	100
The Rest	1	0	1	0	7	15	–8	0
Total	144	70	63	11	2,281	1,856	+425	48.61

Overall Test Series Results

Team	Tours	Won	Lost	Drawn	W%
Argentina	3	3	0	0	100
Australia	9	7	2	0	77.78
New Zealand	12	1	10	1	8.33
South Africa	14	4	9	1	28.57
Total	38	15	21	2	39.47

Lions Tours

Tour Format

The Lions usually tour three countries in the Southern Hemisphere: Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. They also toured Argentina three times before World War II. Since 1989, tours have happened every four years. The most recent tour was to South Africa in 2021.

Sometimes, the Lions play a "home" game before they leave. For example, in 2005, they played Argentina in Cardiff. In 2021, they played Japan in Murrayfield. On tour, the team plays against local clubs or regional teams. They also play important test matches against the host country's national team.

The Lions have also played games in other nearby countries during their tours. For instance, they played Rhodesia many times during their South Africa tours. They were also beaten by Fiji in 1977. They visited Namibia (then South West Africa) several times too.

On their way home, they have played games in other countries. These include games in Canada and East Africa (in Kenya). They also played an unofficial game against Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1950.

Year	To	Captain	Head coach	Top scorer in Tests	Test series result	Tests record
1888	New Zealand and Australia	Robert Seddon Andrew Stoddart	Alfred Shaw Arthur Shrewsbury	No Test matches played
1891	South Africa	Bill Maclagan	Edwin Ash	Arthur Rotherham, 4	Won	3–0
1896	South Africa	Johnny Hammond Thomas Crean	Roger Walker	J. F. Byrne, 12	Won	3–1
1899	Australia	Matthew Mullineux Frank Stout	Matthew Mullineux	Charlie Adamson, 17	Won	3–1
1903	South Africa	Mark Morrison	Johnny Hammond	John Gillespie, 4	Lost	0–1–2
1904	Australia and New Zealand	David Bedell-Sivright Teddy Morgan	Arthur O'Brien	Percy Bush, 20	Won Lost	3–0 (Australia) 0–1 (New Zealand)
1908	New Zealand and Australia	Arthur Harding	George Harnett	Reggie Gibbs, 3 Jack Jones, 3	Lost	0–2–1 (NZ) No tests against Australia
1910	South Africa	Tommy Smyth Jack Jones	William Cail Walter E. Rees	Jack Spoors, 9	Lost	1–2
1910	Argentina	John Raphael	R.V. Stanley	Harold Monks, 10 (no test caps awarded)	Won	1–0
1924	South Africa	Ronald Cove-Smith	Harry Packer	Tom Voyce, 6	Lost	0–3–1
1927	Argentina	David MacMyn	James Baxter	Ernie Hammett, 40 (no test caps awarded)	Won	4–0
1930	New Zealand and Australia	Doug Prentice Carl Aarvold	James Baxter	Carl Aarvold, 9	Lost Lost	1–3 (New Zealand) 0–1 (Australia)
1936	Argentina	Bernard Gadney	Doug Prentice	John Brett, 7 (no test caps awarded)	Won	1–0
1938	South Africa	Sam Walker	Major B.C. Hartley	Vivian Jenkins, 9	Lost	1–2
1950	New Zealand and Australia	Karl Mullen Bleddyn Williams	Leslie B. Osborne	Lewis Jones, 26	Lost Won	0–3–1 (NZ) 2–0 (Australia)
1955	South Africa	Robin Thompson Cliff Morgan	Jack Siggins	Jeff Butterfield, 12	Tied	2–2
1959	Australia and New Zealand	Ronnie Dawson	O. B. Glasgow	David Hewitt, 16	Won Lost	2–0 (Australia) 1–3 (New Zealand)
1962	South Africa	Arthur Smith Dickie Jeeps	Harry McKibbin	John Willcox, 5	Lost	0–3–1
1966	Australia and New Zealand	David Watkins Mike Campbell-Lamerton	John Robins	Stewart Wilson, 30	Won Lost	2–0 (Australia) 0–4 (New Zealand)
1968	South Africa	Tom Kiernan	Ronnie Dawson	Tom Kiernan, 35	Lost	0–3–1
1971	New Zealand	John Dawes	Carwyn James	Barry John, 30	Won	2–1–1
1974	South Africa	Willie John McBride	Syd Millar	Phil Bennett, 26	Won	3–0–1
1977	New Zealand	Phil Bennett	John Dawes	Phil Bennett, 18	Lost	1–3
1980	South Africa	Bill Beaumont	Noel Murphy	Tony Ward, 18	Lost	1–3
1983	New Zealand	Ciaran Fitzgerald	Jim Telfer	Ollie Campbell, 15	Lost	0–4
1989	Australia	Finlay Calder	Ian McGeechan	Gavin Hastings, 28	Won	2–1
1993	New Zealand	Gavin Hastings	Ian McGeechan	Gavin Hastings, 38	Lost	1–2
1997	South Africa	Martin Johnson	Ian McGeechan	Neil Jenkins, 41	Won	2–1
2001	Australia	Martin Johnson	Graham Henry	Jonny Wilkinson, 36	Lost	1–2
2005	New Zealand	Brian O'Driscoll Gareth Thomas	Clive Woodward	Stephen Jones, 14	Lost	0–3
2009	South Africa	Paul O'Connell	Ian McGeechan	Stephen Jones, 39	Lost	1–2
2013	Australia	Sam Warburton Alun Wyn Jones	Warren Gatland	Leigh Halfpenny, 49	Won	2–1
2017	New Zealand	Sam Warburton Peter O'Mahony	Warren Gatland	Owen Farrell, 31	Tied	1–1–1
2021	South Africa	Alun Wyn Jones	Warren Gatland	Dan Biggar, 23	Lost	1–2
2025	Australia		Andy Farrell
2029	New Zealand

Other Lions Matches

The Lions have played other matches against international teams. Most of these were special one-off games. The matches against Argentina in 2005 and Japan in 2021 were warm-up games for tours.

In 1977, the Lions played their first official home game. It was against the Barbarians to raise money for charity. The Lions won 23–14. In 1989, the Lions played against France in Paris. The Lions won 29–27.

Player Records

Here are some top players and their records for the Lions.

Players in bold are still active at international level.

Only matches against full international sides are listed.

Most Caps

Updated 7 August 2021

Rank	Name	Tours	Caps	Position
1	Willie John McBride	1962–1974	17	Lock
2	Dickie Jeeps	1955–1962	13	Scrum-half
3	Mike Gibson	1966–1971	12	Centre
	Alun Wyn Jones	2009–2021	12	Lock
	Graham Price	1977–1983	12	Prop
6	Tony O'Reilly	1955–1959	10	Wing
	R. H. Williams	1955–1959	10	Lock
	Gareth Edwards	1968–1974	10	Scrum-half
9	Syd Millar	1955–1959	9	Prop
	Mako Vunipola	2013–2021	9	Prop

Most Points

Updated 31 July 2021

Rank	Name	Career	Points	Caps	Position
1	Gavin Hastings	1986–1993	69	7	Full-back
2	Jonny Wilkinson	2001–2005	67	6	Fly-half
3	Stephen Jones	2005–2009	53	6	Fly-half
4	Leigh Halfpenny	2013–2017	49	4	Full-back
5	Phil Bennett	1974–1977	44	8	Fly-half
6	Neil Jenkins	1997–2001	41	4	Fly-half
7	Tom Kiernan	1962–1968	35	5	Full-back
8	Owen Farrell	2013–2021	34	6	Fly-half/centre
9	Stewart Wilson	1966	30	5	Full-back
	Barry John	1968–1971	30	5	Fly-half

Most Tries

Updated 31 July 2021

Rank	Name	Career	Tries	Caps	Position
1	Tony O'Reilly	1955–1959	6	10	Wing
2	J. J. Williams	1974–1977	5	7	Wing
3	Willie Llewellyn	1904	4	4	Wing
	Malcolm Price	1959	4	6	Centre
4	Alf Bucher	1899	3	3	Wing
	Jack Spoors	1910	3	3	Full-back
	Carl Aarvold	1930	3	5	Centre
	Jeff Butterfield	1955	3	4	Centre
	Ken Jones	1962–1966	3	6	Centre
	Gerald Davies	1968–1971	3	5	Wing

Images for kids

• 

  A group photograph of a team from the 1891 tour.

• 

  Match between England and Cape Colony in 1891.

See also

In Spanish: Leones Británicos e Irlandeses para niños

• List of British & Irish Lions test matches
• Rugby union and apartheid
• Rugby union in the British Isles