The British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa is happening just around the corner, May to July 2009! With three test matches and seven provincial games to be played in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg, rugby fans worldwide are going crazy with anticipation of the much awaited clash between the two rugby giants. Let’s have a quick recap of the previous encounters between the British Lions and the South African Springboks over the past four decades. The most recent tour was over a decade ago (1997), where the British Lions managed a near whitewash, winning two out of three tests and losing only two games. In 1980, the Springboks managed a 3 †1 defeat over the Lions with the test matches, although the Lions thrashed them 14 †0 with the non-test games. In 1974, the Lions had the upper hand, not loosing any test matches and clinching the series; whilst the opposite happened in 1968, with the Springboks crushing the Lions. So, what will happen this time around? Will the mighty British Lions be able to ward off the current rugby world cup champs, Springboks who have the advantage of playing on their homeground? The tour head coach, Ian McGeechan "Geech†a rugby legend himself having played with the Lions twice in the 1970’s and captained the Scottish team nine times; and the tour manager Gerald Davies are confident of a Lions victory! For fans, there is much to look forward to †with amazing package deals and numerous prize trips to be won to travel to South Africa and witness the action live! The British and Irish Lions 2009 clothing line has been released with rugby T-shirts and polo shirts available in various sizes and colours for everyone †including ladies and kids! With lots of choices such as replica kits, hats, tracksuits, jackets, scarves, ties, rugby balls and pin badges available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you plan on flying to South Africa to watch the matches live, or will be following the matches on your telly at home, you may want to wear the shirts in support for the occasion or keep the merchandise to remember the much awaited encounter. Visit Lovell Rugby to have a look at the latest British and Irish Lions official rugby shirts and merchandise.
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