Rugby History in the Making

If there is one thing we know it's that South Africans love sport! Whether its soccer, rugby, cricket or golf we are known as a nation that can get extremely passionate about it all. It is therefore no surprise that the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour has got the masses excited - not only is this a historic event but it is also promising to be the biggest ever tour with 50,000 fans expected to make the journey to South Africa.

In 1888 the tradition started when the first combined British & Irish teams headed for the southern hemisphere to test their strength against some of the great names in rugby. Selected by a committee from all four Home Unions, the first official tour by the British Isles Rugby Union Team was to South Africa in 1910.

Although the first ever tour was a money making scheme without much official backing the following six visits that took place prior to 1910 enjoyed growing support from the authorities. Traditionally the team used the name British Isles. Although during their 1950 tour of New Zealand and Australia they also adopted the nickname British Lions after the lion emblem on their jerseys and ties. Since the 2001 Australian tour they have used the name British and Irish Lions, representing the two sovereign states - the Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom. However it seems that for their numerous and loyal fans they are just the Lions.

The best known and most successful Lions team was that which toured South Africa in 1974 under the esteemed Irish forward Willie John McBride. Those 22 matches produced remarkable rugby and many memorable tries although the series will be remember as one of the most violent in the Lions history. The Lions enjoyed unparalleled success and with some of the greatest players ever to grace the game, they went unbeaten, going down in rugby legend as 'The Invincibles'.

The last time the Lions visited South African shores was in 1997, led by tour captain Martin Johnson the team was expected to be demolished by the reigning world champions, South Africa. But far from overwhelmed at being universally written off, the tourists thrived on the siege mentality and stormed to a famous 2-1 series victory. Clearly this time around the Springboks have a score to settle. Whether you have a table booked at your favourite pub or a ticket for the game - you can't miss out on the action.


------


Holiday Inn Sandton is conveniently located in Sandton Central. In close proximity you'll find a number of key attractions which offer a diverse range of restaurants, shops, entertainment and vibrant nightlife. The Holiday Inn Sandton offers the ideal base for the business and leisure traveller.