Some questioned whether the Lions had a future in the age of professionalism and the Rugby World Cup. But the popular support given to the 1997 and 2001 tours put an end to these questions.
The 2005 Tour to New Zealand proved to be an even bigger event with a reported 30,000 fans traveling to support the team. The Lions were managed by former England international Bill Beaumont and coached by former England coach Sir Clive Woodward.
2009 is expected to be even bigger