British & Irish touring teamFirst Tests 1891“The Lions”

Retro British & Irish Lions Rugby Shirts

Classic Lions jerseys, from the early tours to the famous series wins in New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974. Handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton.
Shop 6 British & Irish Lions Rugby shirtsRead the British & Irish Lions Rugby kit story ↓
British & Irish Lions 1930s Vintage Rugby Zipped Hoodie Navy British & Irish Lions 1930s Vintage Rugby Zipped Hoodie Navy
Made in the UKHandcrafted the old-fashioned way
100% cottonAuthentic look and feel
Adults & kidsSizes S–5XL, plus kids’ range
Name & numberPersonalise any shirt
The collection

British & Irish Lions Rugby

6 shirts
Kids’ shirtsSizes for ages 3–13 → personalisation image Add a name & numberPeriod-correct lettering →
About the collection

Retro British & Irish Lions Rugby shirts

British & Irish Lions Rugby kit timeline
  1. 1888First tour, to Australia and New Zealand
  2. 1891First Tests, in South Africa
  3. 1924First tour on which the team are called the Lions
  4. 1950Red jersey adopted
  5. 1971Series win in New Zealand
  6. 1974Unbeaten tour of South Africa

The British & Irish Lions bring together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our retro British & Irish Lions rugby shirts recreate classic Lions rugby kits from across the decades, handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton with no modern sponsor or manufacturer logos.

From 1888 to the red jersey

The earliest tours date back to 1888, when a 21-man squad visited Australia and New Zealand, and the first Tests came in South Africa in 1891. The 1924 tour is credited as the first on which the team were called the Lions. The red jersey was adopted on the 1950 tour, and today’s red jersey, white shorts and green and blue socks represent the four unions.

The 1970s

In 1971 the Lions won a Test series in New Zealand 2–1. Three years later they went through 22 games unbeaten in South Africa and won the Test series 3–0, with one drawn. Our British & Irish Lions 1970s Vintage Rugby Shirt and the British & Irish Lions 1970s Vintage Rugby Zipped Hoodie Red recall that era.

For every Lions fan

Go further back with the British & Irish Lions 1930s Vintage Rugby Zipped Hoodie Navy, or pick up the British & Irish Lions Rugby Polo. Younger fans can choose the British & Irish Lions 1970's Vintage Kids Rugby Shirt. Explore more in our retro rugby shirts collection, our kids’ range and our casualwear.

British & Irish Lions Rugby shirt FAQs

When did the Lions start wearing red?+

The red jersey was adopted on the 1950 tour. With white shorts and green and blue socks, the kit represents all four home unions.

When were the Lions first called the Lions?+

The 1924 tour of South Africa is credited as the first on which the team were known as the Lions.

Can I add a name and number to my British & Irish Lions Rugby shirt?+

Yes. Choose a name and number for £12, or just a name or just a number for £7.50. We match the lettering style to the era of your shirt.

What sizes do the British & Irish Lions Rugby shirts come in?+

Adult shirts come in sizes S to 5XL, and we make a kids’ range too. Check the size guide on each shirt for chest measurements.

Can I return my shirt?+

Unpersonalised shirts can be returned within 14 days. Personalised shirts are made to order, so they can’t be returned unless faulty.