Memories from our British & Irish Lions Tours over the years

Memories from our Lions Tours over the years - Gullivers Sports Travel

Our journey with the Lions began in 1980, following Bill Beaumont’s valiant side on their tour to South Africa. While the Boks triumphed in the Test series 3-1, the Lions dominated the non-international matches, securing a clean sweep of all 14 encounters.

While the Lions’ history stretches back to 1888, it was in 1980 that Gullivers proudly pioneered the very first British & Irish Lions Supporters Tour. Since then, we’ve been an integral part of the experience for countless passionate Lions fans, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Gullivers Lions Tour to South Africa 1997

1997 British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa

A ground-breaking tour in so many ways. The first post-apartheid visits by the Lions following the cancellation of the 1986 tour and the first of the professional rugby era. Coached by Sir Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer - no rugby player or supporter can forget Telfer’s often quoted “this is your Everest” speech where Telfer outlined the “awesome responsibility” the forwards have and how “being picked is the easy bit.”

The Lions included Tim Rodber, Tom Smith and Neil Back boarding a Gullivers Coach heading for their Heathrow departure flight. Gullivers handled the Squad’s travel back in 1997 and carried a (then) record number of Lions fans.

1997 saw the rise of Gullivers ‘Big Pubs’. These exclusive venues remain the best place to absorb the relaxed rugby club atmosphere, mixing with fellow travellers and ex-players always culminating in a rugby singsong. Customers who have joined us for the Hong Kong Sevens or many of our Six Nations weekends will confirm the fantastic ‘old school’ rugby club feel our events offer - exclusively to Gullivers clients, of course!

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2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia

In 2013, over 1,200 passionate fans joined Gullivers on a journey they’ll never forget, witnessing the Lions Tour of Australia with a thrilling Series victory against the Wallabies.

34 dedicated staff meticulously crafted 27 diverse tour options, ensuring every fan experience was as unique as the land Down Under. From the bustling streets of Perth to the iconic sights of Sydney, our clients cheered on the Lions in electric stadiums like the Suncorp Stadium and the ANZ Stadium.

But the adventure wasn’t just about the matches. We ventured beyond the pitch, offering unforgettable excursions like:

Witnessing the awe-inspiring majesty of Uluru
Diving into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
Exploring the hidden gems of Cape Tribulation
Encountering magnificent whales in Moreton Bay

It was more than just a tour; it was a trip-of-a-lifetime!

Gullivers Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017

2017 British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand

Conquering the All Blacks’ Terrain. In 2017, approximately 900 passionate fans joined Gullivers on a thrilling adventure – a Lions Tour to the heart of the All-Blacks territory; New Zealand! Witnessing electrifying clashes and experiencing the unique Kiwi culture, it was a journey etched in every fan’s memory.

Our dedicated team crafted around 40 diverse tour options, catering to every desire. Our clients traversed the stunning landscapes, from bustling Auckland and vibrant Wellington to the serene beauty of Queenstown. Whether cheering on the Lions in iconic stadiums like Eden Park and Westpac Stadium or soaking up the local atmosphere in regional towns, the experience was truly immersive.

A blend of passion, camaraderie, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion.

2021 British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa

The 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, though not a series victory, was a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Lions and the fierce competition between these two rugby giants.

The three-match Test series saw the Lions narrowly lose 2-1, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout. The Lions secured a thrilling victory in the first Test, followed by two closely contested matches ultimately won by the Springboks.

The tour was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with matches played behind closed doors, depriving the Lions of the usual passionate fan support. Despite the challenges, the Lions displayed exceptional skill and perseverance, making the series a nail-biting spectacle for fans worldwide.