Get ready rugby fans – The British and Irish Lions 2025 tour is on its way! This legendary squad is set to bring epic matches, fierce competition and tons of excitement down under when they visit Australia. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the iconic Lions tours.

First, a quick history lesson. The Lions team originally formed back in 1888, made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. They had a 249-day tour of both New Zealand and Australia after they took a 46-day voyage to get there – that’s dedication! The Lions then began touring again in 1950 after a 12-year break due to WWII and the uniform and name that we know and love today were created. Every 4 years since the 1950s the top players from across Britain and Ireland unite to tour different countries for a series of hotly contested test matches.

Here are some fun facts about previous tours:

• The first ever Lions tour was to Australia and New Zealand in 1888. They played 35 matches and lost only 4!
• Sir Ian McGeechan is known as ‘the Lion King’ as he is the only person to hold the enviable status of having won a series as both a player and coach.
• There have been 38 tours since 1888, 14 to South Africa, 12 to New Zealand, nine to Australia and three to Argentina.

Now what can fans expect on the 2025 tour? Firstly, the Lions will be playing against Argentina in Dublin in June 2025 before they move on and travel to Australia to play 5 matches against Australian club teams and 1 match against a mix of Australia and New Zealand players to warm up. Then it’s the main event – 3 intense test matches against the Australian national team, the Wallabies. The Wallabies will be thirsty for redemption on their home turf after losing to the Lions in 2013!

Lions tours also mean epic celebrations whether they win or lose. Face paint, costumes and team songs will be everywhere from the stands to the pubs. Fans will flock between match venues in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne for a month, soaking up the electric atmosphere.

Want some insider tips for the 2025 tour? Here are our top tips:

Join events outside the big games – At past Lions tours there has been plenty of opportunities to get involved in other events alongside the big games. For example, Gullivers have offered Q&As with players, a Charity rugby match with our partner Wooden Spoon, golf days and an end of tour party, which included live music, drinks and a chance to mingle with ex-players and other likeminded fans! Its great to get involved with all that’s going on surrounding the Lions tours to make some amazing memories and to continue the fun!

Meet the Lions – Lions is a unique experience, and one even ex-players and coaches get excited about! Many of them join the tours as fans to support the team and be part of the sea of red. Many of these ex-players love getting involved in the events surrounding the tour and so you may be able to meet some of them! For instance, Gullivers clients have previously been able to rub shoulders and meet some of the players and ex-players as they have joined them on tour or have joined Gullivers on their exclusive events.

This special rugby tradition only happens every 12 years in each destination and with fans not being able to experience the Lions live in 2021 due to Covid, 2025 is a long-awaited chance for fans to experience the magic of a Lions Tour down under. It’s guaranteed to be a thrilling series full of adrenaline, emotions and lasting memories!

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