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

by Stephen Jones, Nick Cain, Tom English

For 125 years the British & Irish Lions have stood out as a peerless emblem in world sport. This unique account of the best from the four Home Nations examines every tour in the Lions’ history, including the victorious 2013 tour to Hong Kong and Australia, told in the players’ words.

Behind the Lions sees rugby writers from across the Home Nations delve to the heart of what it means to be a Lion, interviewing a vast array of former and current players to uncover the passion, pride and exhilaration experienced when wearing the famous red jersey. It is a tale of heartbreak and ecstasy, humour and poignancy that is at once inspirational, moving and utterly compelling. This is the story of the British & Irish Lions in their own words.

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

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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.