Scotland's Ali Price (ball in hand) was one of the fortunate players to be picked for the last Lions tour In Bob Seddon's day, they did things differently. No televised Lions squad announcement because there was no television, no first-class plane travel because there were no aeroplanes. Captain of the wide-eyed Victorians of 1888, Seddon led the first rugby team of its kind to leave these shores and head south, not yet as the British and Irish Lions, but precursors and pioneers. Every one of the near-40 players named on Thursday as the Lions of 2025 should know some of this history, they should immerse themselves in it, they should be aware of how deep this story goes because they are a part of it now - the greatest odyssey in sport. Nearly 140 years old. Blood, sweat and tears. Inspiring, and shocking. All human life - and death. Seddon's squad set sail for New Zealand and Australia on RMS Kaikoura. For 46 days, they travelled. Calm waters and lumpy seas. Heavy gales and dense fog. A week went by when "neither sun nor stars were seen," he reported. They played 19 games in New Zealand, 16 in Australia, but they still were not done. They played another 19 matches of Victorian Rules - Aussie Rules, in effect. Fifty-four contests for just more than 20 players on a tour that lasted 249 days. The chosen ones this time will play nine times in just more than a month. Blink and you will miss them. Seddon, from Lancashire, was engaged to be married. Twenty games into the trip he drowned in the Hunter River in New South Wales. Some people do not get the Lions and call it an anachronism and an unimportant exhibition. They ask why do the Lions matter in the current age? They matter, in part, because of folk like Seddon and all the heroes and all the social history that came in his wake. Tommy Crean, the Irishman, was a Lion in South Africa in 1896. He won a Victoria Cross in the Boer War. Alexander Todd, the Englishman, was a Lion in South Africa in 1896. He died at Ypres. Matthew Mullineux, a London clergyman, was also a Lion in 1896. He won the Military Cross during the First World War. Eric Milroy, a Scot, was a Lion in South Africa in 1910. He died at the Somme. Phil Waller, the Welshman, was also a Lion in 1910. He died at Arras. Paddy Mayne, from County Down, was a Lion in South Africa in 1938. He won the Distinguished Service Order medal and three bars for three separate acts of heroism at war and was then awarded the Legion d'Honneur and the Croix de Guerre by the French government for his work in the liberation of France. He was also a founding member of the SAS. Harry Jarman of Pontypool did not die at war. The 1910 tourist died of complications after he threw himself into the path of a runaway coal wagon at a South Wales colliery as it rattled towards some children playing in its path. Those are images from a mercifully bygone age, but they feed into what it is to be a Lion today, the privilege of being part of something with such a profound past. This team transcends sport. It's a cultural phenomenon. The Lions tour to apartheid South Africa in 1974 was deeply divisive and even now there would be heated debates about the rights and wrongs of going there. But there's also the story of Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island, listening to commentary on the radios of his wardens. When Willie John McBride's immortals beat the Afrikaners and took the series, Mandela and his fellow political prisoners rejoiced. When the Lions returned in 1997, players from the '74 tour were coach, Ian McGeechan, and manager, Fran Cotton. They were greeted by Steve Tshwete, a government minister in a country that now had Mandela as president. Tshwete, incarcerated on Robben Island with Mandela, practically moved McGeechan and Cotton to tears when he recounted his experiences of listening to those radios and hearing how they brought the Springboks to their knees. How much did it mean to be a Lion back in the day? Players took time off work to tour. Some gave up their jobs if they could not get time off. Club members and fellow villagers chipped in to send them on their way with a few bob in their pocket because they did not get paid. On the 1959 tour in New Zealand the great Ireland prop Syd Millar had his overcoat stolen from his hotel room. Word reached the local press and suddenly letters with cheques came flooding in from sympathetic Kiwis. Millar, whose son was born while he was away with the Lions and was three months old by the time he got home, was given strict instruction by the bastions of amateurism who were running the Lions: "You'll write a letter to every single one of these people and send the money back!" We live in different days, thankfully. This team and these tours have endured despite bloody conflict abroad and at home. They have prospered despite having their existence threatened by the march of professionalism and an ever more crowded fixture calendar. They have survived the flak that flew after despicable violence in matches from the wild west years. The Battle of Ballymore, the Battle of Canterbury, the Battle of Potchefstroom, the Battle of Boet Erasmus. Compelling but bleak chapters. Doom-mongers have been proven wrong at every turn. Yes, it has become a commercial beast and the rampant hyping of the brand grates, but the essence of what makes the Lions special is strong and apparently unbreakable. The tourists have won just one series this millennium - one of six - but the fascination only grows. Brilliantly weird and utterly exhilarating, this is a unique experience, a bucket-list item for fans and for every chosen player, a dream realised. The speculation around who's in and who's out ends soon, though. Andy Farrell and his coaches have got their men. Not everyone will agree with the names they came up with. There will be a wronged one, a lucky pick, a cause to rally round and get furious about. It was ever thus. The Lions is four nations and one team, but on announcement day, everybody is looking out for their own. Being picked for the Lions is, and always will be, a special moment in the life of any player - many would say the most special moment - but it cannot be enough anymore. There's a pride in being a Lion, but greatness only comes in victory. In 1997 Jim Telfer called selection "the easy bit" in his famous speech about reaching the top of Everest. Winning was the most important thing, he told his forwards. "The ultimate." He was right then and he's right now. On Thursday, the 2025 Lions will rightly bask in a glorious achievement, but it's only the initial step on a long journey. Not as long as the one Seddon and his squad embarked upon when this concept was starting off, but still arduous and as compelling as ever.
Why the Lions is a team that transcends sport
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Exploring the Cultural Significance and Legacy of the British and Irish Lions"
Bbc News
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
The legacy of the British and Irish Lions transcends the realm of sport, embodying a rich tapestry of history, camaraderie, and cultural significance. The squad's origins date back to 1888, when Bob Seddon captained a pioneering team that embarked on a grueling tour across New Zealand and Australia. This inaugural journey involved 54 matches over 249 days, a stark contrast to the modern Lions' schedule, which now includes just nine games in a month. The story of the Lions is not merely about rugby; it is interwoven with tales of heroism and sacrifice, as exemplified by players like Tommy Crean and Paddy Mayne, who distinguished themselves both on the field and in war. These narratives highlight the profound commitment and honor associated with being a Lion, as players often left their jobs and communities rallied to support their endeavors, reflecting the amateur spirit of the time.
The significance of the Lions extends beyond rugby, as it has historically served as a unifying force during tumultuous times. The 1974 tour to South Africa remains a poignant example, intertwining sports and politics, with Nelson Mandela reportedly listening to the Lions' matches while imprisoned. This connection was further celebrated during the 1997 tour, marking a moment of reconciliation in a post-apartheid South Africa. Despite the commercialization and challenges of modernity, the essence of the Lions endures, characterized by a sense of pride and the pursuit of victory. The anticipation of the 2025 Lions squad selection reflects the ongoing passion and debate surrounding this storied team, with each selection moment seen as a significant achievement. Yet, as emphasized by past players, the ultimate goal remains to secure victories, as the true greatness of being a Lion lies not just in the selection, but in triumphing together as a united front.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the historical significance of the British and Irish Lions rugby team, emphasizing its role as more than just a sports entity. It explores the deep roots of the Lions' legacy, connecting past generations with the present while highlighting the emotional and human elements involved in their journeys and contests.
Historical Context and Legacy
The narrative begins with a reflection on the early days of the Lions, led by Bob Seddon, and paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced during their inaugural tours. This historical context aims to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in current players, linking them to a storied past that transcends mere sport. By referencing historical figures and significant events, the article seeks to reinforce the idea that the Lions are an integral part of a broader social history.
Cultural Relevance
The piece posits that the Lions matter today because they embody the courage and sacrifice of players throughout history. By invoking names of past players who faced adversity both on and off the field, it creates a narrative of heroism that resonates with readers. This attempt to connect the Lions to themes of bravery and legacy aims to elevate the team's standing in contemporary culture, suggesting that it holds value beyond sports.
Public Perception and Critique
The article acknowledges a critical perspective that views the Lions as an outdated exhibition. By addressing this viewpoint, it implicitly argues for the relevance of the Lions in modern sport. This counterargument serves to rally support for the team while highlighting the importance of understanding its historical significance, potentially swaying skeptics to appreciate the Lions' contributions to the sport and society.
Manipulative Elements
While the article does not overtly manipulate, it employs emotional language and historical anecdotes to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride. This approach may influence public perception, creating an emotional connection that could overshadow more critical views about the team's relevance today. The use of evocative storytelling serves to frame the Lions in a positive light, potentially skewing perceptions of their current significance.
Comparative Context
In the landscape of sports journalism, this article positions itself as a piece that elevates the narrative of rugby beyond athletic competition. By drawing parallels with broader themes of heroism and sacrifice, it distinguishes itself from more straightforward sports reporting, which may focus solely on statistics or match outcomes.
Potential Societal Impact
The portrayal of the Lions as a symbol of unity and resilience could foster a greater appreciation for rugby, potentially influencing increased participation and viewership. Given the Lions' historical connections, this narrative might also resonate with communities that value tradition, thereby strengthening the sport's cultural footprint in society.
Target Audience
This article seems to aim at rugby enthusiasts, historians, and those interested in cultural narratives surrounding sports. It appeals to those who value tradition and history, likely seeking to engage readers who are already sympathetic to the sport's ethos.
Market Influence
While the article primarily focuses on cultural significance, it could indirectly influence the sports market by promoting the Lions' upcoming tour. Increased interest in the team could lead to higher ticket sales, merchandise, and viewership, impacting related financial markets.
Global Relevance
The themes presented in the article touch on broader societal issues, such as sacrifice and legacy, which transcend geographical boundaries. Although primarily focused on a British and Irish context, the Lions' story can resonate globally, especially in nations with a shared history or interest in rugby.
There is no clear indication that AI was involved in writing this article. The reflective and historical tone suggests a human touch, likely employing a nuanced understanding of sport's role in society. If AI were utilized, it may have contributed to organizing historical data but would not necessarily guide the emotional narrative.
In conclusion, the article serves to celebrate the British and Irish Lions, anchoring their significance in a rich history that speaks to broader cultural values. This effort to connect past and present aims to reinforce the team’s relevance and inspire continued support.