2013 British & Irish Lions
Lions unveil shirt for 2013 tour
ESPN Staff
October 30, 2012
The 2013 British & Irish Lions shirt, October 30, 2012
The shirt the Lions will wear next summer © Lions Rugby
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: British and Irish Lions tour

The British & Irish Lions have unveiled their shirt for the 2013 tour of Australia.

The Lions kick off their 10-match tour in Hong Kong against the Barbarians on June 1 and they will be wearing a shirt that sports a collar reminiscent of the top they wore during the victorious 1997 tour of South Africa. The tour will be the Lions' 125th anniversary and the shirt also has an enlarged crest similar to earlier designs.

The "tonal hoop design" harks back to the top worn by the 1888 and 1891 tourists and the fabric is clima lite.

The Lions will be searching for their first series victory since 1997 and their first series win on Australian soil since 1989. The team will be led by Warren Gatland and he has previously spoken of the importance of bringing together the different cultures when it comes to picking a Lions side.

"For a player it is the pinnacle of their career," Gatland said. "It is the same for the coaches involved. It is the highest honour, to be selected as the Lions coach. It is the pinnacle of anyone's coaching career. To be given this opportunity is a huge privilege. I have coached in Ireland, in London with Wasps and with Wales.

"That gives me an understanding of the different cultures and it will be important bringing the four countries together. As a player who played against the Lions I remember that fondly. Being on the other side is just as important.

"We were bouncing off the walls. We were playing against the traditions of the British and Irish Lions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices