How long have they been around?
It is difficult to date with precision the founding of this team but it is the work of three British entrepreneurs Alfred Shaw, Arthur Shrewsbury and James Lilywhite. These three former cricket professionals who have been turned into entrepreneurs abroad dreamed of a team that could represent Great Britain far from its borders. To respect the noble spirit of the sport, the three men asked the English federation that the players concerned not be paid for these tours. If the team's first tour dates back to 1888 in New Zealand, the name Lions did not arrive until 1950, once the endorsement had been received by the four rugby federations of the nations concerned.
What is the particularity of this team?
Unlike other national selections, this international team only gathers once every four years to go on tour in the southern hemisphere.
It has in its ranks the best players from the following four nations: England, Wales, Scotland and both Ireland.
Being selected in this team is therefore extremely difficult but makes the selection even more beautiful in the career and the record of a British player.
What is their track record?
First and foremost, the Lions are a touring team. Therefore, it does not have a record to speak of other than a few resounding victories. Certain tours have helped forge the legend of this team such as the 1971 tour considered to be the one of all records. It is, to this day, the only victorious tour of the Lions in New Zealand soil. With two wins, a draw and a defeat, the men of "King" Barry John and his 188 points have marked the history of this team. From this tour was born "Les Invincibles", a team which had 21 straight victories during a tour of South Africa. More recently, the 2017 tour has made a name for itself as it is the first series in all-black land that the Lions do.have not lost (five wins, three losses, two draws).
Why such enthusiasm for this team?
If you take into account the incredible breeding ground of British rugby, being selected for this team is almost an achievement. But even more than the team, it's all the folklore that surrounds her that makes her incredible. For four years, each nation promotes its best elements with great local press stunts in order to campaign for a selection in the prestigious team. Once the players have been selected, everyone wants to see their team's victory while seeing their favorites shine. Imagine for a moment the joy of a Scotsman seeing his family carry at arm's length a team where the English are quite timid, the joy is twofold. The regional rivalry makes this team unique but paradoxically its “Britishness” also means that it does not necessarily fascinate the crowds across the Channel.
Who are the Lions captains this year?
How not to start with its iconic captain Alun Wyn Jones? In the last victorious outing against South Africa, the Welshman became the first player in the modern era to score ten straight caps with the Lions. Keeping in mind that the team only meets every four years, it shows the longevity and domination of the second line in his position. At the back, the Scottish Stuart Hogg and his puzzling support have been a reference in the world of rugby for almost 10 years. Finally, even if he comes out of a fairly mixed year, the English opener Owen Farrell remains an excellent option with his 34 points in five caps which places him as the eighth scorer in Lions history. Before overtaking these predecessors Tom Kiernan and Neil Jenkins next Saturday?