British and Irish Lions: 136-year first as players’ names are added to the famous red jersey
Mack Hansen and Ellis Genge's British and Irish Lions jerseys. (Credit: Canterbury NZ)
The British and Irish Lions players will have their names printed on the jersey for the first time ever when they tackle Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
In the 136-year history of the B&I Lions, the players’ surnames have never been printed on the back of the jersey but the tourists have now aligned with the growing trend in the game.
Why the players’ names feature on the Lions jersey
Unlike football, rugby jerseys, particularly at the international level, usually feature only numbers on the back. But that trend was bucked in 2024 when all the Six Nations teams agreed to add the players’ names.
In 2022, Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney explained the reasoning behind the move: “We think player names on shirts may have the potential to bring fans closer to the international stars of our game and we look forward to seeing the reaction to this initiative.”
Italy, Scotland, Ireland and England trialled the idea in 2022 and 2023 before adopting it entirely in 2024, along with France and Wales.
“Being a Lion is the pinnacle achievement in a rugby player’s career. At Canterbury, we have worked to create an innovative and iconic jersey which will be remembered for generations to come,” Simon Rowe, Senior Vice President at Canterbury of New Zealand, said.
“By having each player’s name and number proudly printed on the shirts, we are commemorating the immense lifetime of effort it has taken to get them to this stage.
“For fans, this provides a fantastic opportunity to show their support for the individual Lions, who make this squad what they are.”
Following the clash in Dublin, the Lions will depart for their tour of Australia with their opening game being against the Western Force in Perth on 28 June before further warm-up matches against the Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and an Invitational AUNZ XV.
The first Test match of the Series will take place in Brisbane on July 19 before a mid-week match against the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
The MCG in Melbourne and the Accor Stadium in Sydney will host Tests two and three between the Wallabies and Lions.