If you love rugby, the British & Irish Lions are the ultimate showcase of talent from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Every four years the combined squad tours the southern hemisphere, taking on New Zealand, Australia or South Africa. The tour is more than a series of games – it’s a cultural event that brings fans together, creates new heroes and writes unforgettable chapters in rugby history.
The next Lions tour kicks off in June 2026, with a build‑up match in the UK before the squad flies to the host nation. Expect three test matches against the national side, plus several mid‑week games against provincial teams. Tickets for the test matches sell out quickly, so grab them as soon as the official sale opens. If you can’t make it to the stadium, broadcasters in the UK and Ireland will stream the games live, and many streaming services offer a free‑trial period that lines up perfectly with the tour dates.
Plan your viewing party around the kickoff times – they’re usually in the early evening UK time, which works for most schedules. Set up a big screen, stock up on snacks, and invite friends who love a good scrum. The atmosphere at home can be just as electric as being in the stadium.
The Lions have been touring since 1888, and every generation has its own iconic moments. The 1971 tour to New Zealand is remembered for the unbeaten series and the legendary front‑row of Hika Reid, while the 1997 South Africa tour delivered a thrilling 2‑1 series win that still haunts Springbok fans. The 2005 New Zealand tour gave us the unforgettable try by Gareth Thomas, and the 2013 Australia tour showcased a dominant forward pack that set new standards for physicality.
Key players like Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O'Driscoll and Richie McCaw have become household names because of their performances on Lions tours. Today, the squad includes stars such as Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Simmonds and Finn Russell, each bringing a mix of experience and fresh energy.
Following the tour on social media lets you see behind‑the‑scenes content – training drills, locker‑room jokes and player interviews. The Lions’ official accounts post daily highlights, and fan groups often share memes that capture the spirit of the tour.
When the tour ends, the legacy lives on. Young players who watched the games often cite a particular try or tackle as the spark that made them pick up a rugby ball. That’s the power of the Lions: they inspire the next generation while delivering top‑level rugby for fans worldwide.
So whether you’re buying tickets, streaming the test matches, or just following the drama on your phone, the British & Irish Lions tour offers a unique blend of sport, history and camaraderie. Gear up, join the conversation, and enjoy the ride – because every four years, the Lions bring the best of the UK and Ireland to the world stage.
Maro Itoje has been named the captain of the British & Irish Lions for their 2025 tour of Australia, leading a diverse 38-man squad that features a notable Scottish contingent. The tour kicks off in June with a warm-up match against Argentina, followed by a series of key fixtures against the Wallabies.
Continue Reading
