Behind the Lions: Playing Rugby for the British & Irish Lions

by Stephen Jones, Nick Cain, Tom English

This is the history of the British & Irish Lions... in their own words. For 125 years the British & Irish Lions have stood out as a symbol of the ethics, values and romance at the heart of rugby union. To represent the Lions is the pinnacle for every international player in Britain and Ireland, and the dream of tens of thousands of avid fans who follow them. A Lions tour, undertaken every four years to the southern hemisphere, is more than a series of rugby matches played out on foreign fields; it is an epic crusade where the chosen few face a succession of mental and physical challenges on their way to the Test arena, where they do battle with the superpowers of the world game. Behind the Lions sees four esteemed rugby writers from each of the Home Nations delve to the very heart of what it means to be a Lion, using diaries and letters from those who pioneered the concept, to interviews with a vast array of players who have followed in their footsteps. In so doing they have uncovered the passion, pride and honour experienced when taking up the unique challenge of a Lions tour. This is a tale of heart-break and ecstasy, humour and poignancy that is at once inspirational, moving and utterly compelling. And it is the only story worth hearing: the players' own.

1102 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Stephen Jones is a former Welsh rugby union player. He played primarily at fly-half for Wales and the British and Irish Lions. Jones retired from playing professional rugby to coach.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Andrew Tweedie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive review of Lions tours from 1888 to 2013. Book comprises statements from selected players, coaches and management from each tour. Always statements were interesting and gave a insight into what happened both behind the scenes and on the field. The selection of players from each tour group for comments was small. Up until professionalism being the Lions tour to South Africa 1997, the off field behaviour accepted would certainly not be acceptable today. Copious quantities of alcohol were consumed but I guess it was the same for the opposition teams. The tours since 1997 are a marked contrast in terms of socialising, tactics, fitness, coaching and management. A page for each tour devoted to the team list and results would have been a useful addition.

[Keith Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to know why playing for the lions is the greatest accolade in rugby? Then read this book.

[Geoff Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant history of this very special team.