The first tour was a commercial venture made without official backing, but the six subsequent visits that took place prior to 1910 enjoyed a growing degree of support from the authorities, although only one of these included representatives of all four nations.

The Lions name was coined during the inter-war period, when the emblem on the players' jersey and lapel badges gave them their alternative title.

The 1950s proved a golden age for Lions rugby, although it was not until the 1970s that style was matched with the substance of victory in New Zealand and South Africa.

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