British & Irish Lions Rugby

The British and Irish Lions team is an internationally renowned side. Originally known as the ‘Shaw and Shrewsbury’ team, the lineup is composed of eligible players from the four home unions: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The British Lions rugby team played their earliest games in 1888 and contested their first international test matches against South Africa in 1891.

Captained by Bill Maclagan, the British Lions rugby team competed in 20 games, including three tests against a representative South African side. The visitors won all of their 20 matches, conceding only one try on the entire tour.

The British and Irish Lions Versus the Springboks

South Africa secured their first win against the British Lions in 1896: the tour ended 3-1 to the Lions. Next, South Africa won four successive series in 1903, 1910, 1924 and 1938. This winning streak came to an end in 1955, when the tour ended in a 2-2 draw.

Much to the Lions’ dismay, South Africa made a convincing comeback with two series wins in 1962 and 1968. The Springboks were then annihilated 3-0 in 1974, but they bounced back under the leadership of Morné du Plessis in 1980.

After returning to international competition following apartheid, the two teams met in 1997. This time it was the Lions who emerged victorious. However, South Africa won the most recent British and Irish Lions tours in 2009 and 2021.

Overall, the two teams have competed in 49 tests across 14 British and Irish Lions tours. South Africa has won 25 tests and nine series, the Lions have won 18 tests and four series.

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