British and Irish Lions

The British and Irish Lions (formerly British Isles and then the British Lions; commonly the Lions) is a Rugby Union side comprising a pick of the best players from the four Home nation unions, i.e.:

Lions tours

The Lions comprise a touring team which currently plays three southern-hemisphere teams:

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• Australia
• South Africa
• New Zealand.

They also routinely toured in Argentina before World War II.

Related Topics:
Argentina - World War II

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Tours currently take place every four years, the most recent one, the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, taking place in 2005. The next planned tour will visit South Africa in 2009.

Related Topics:
2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand - 2005 - South Africa - 2009

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In a break with tradition, a first 'home' fixture against Argentina took place at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on May 23, 2005, before the Lions went to New Zealand. It finished in a 25-all draw.

Related Topics:
Argentina - Millennium Stadium - Cardiff - May 23 - 2005 - New Zealand

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On tour, mid-week games take place against local provinces or clubs as well as the weekend full tests against the host's national team. Tension normally exists between those selected for the tests and those who turn out only for the mid-week games. During the 2005 Lions tour, the visitors won all the provincial matches; the All Blacks won the test matches; and the New Zealand Maori won their game.

Related Topics:
All Blacks - New Zealand Maori

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