Some of the great names of international rugby can be seen both playing and reminiscing in this hour long history of British and Irish Lions tours of New Zealand. 1930 Lion Harry Bowcott is the oldest player here, conceding his side were surprised by the toughness of the New Zealand style of rugby; tough like 1950 All Black captain Ron Elvidge, who came back on to crash through a tackle and score a try, despite a fractured sternum and stitches in his head. The documentary concludes with Gavin Hastings’ 1993 Lions team. It was made as a preview for the 2005 tour.

Quotes:

Looking back at my career now there’s no doubt the Lions was unquestionably a massive, massive honour and way up there with the highlights of my career.
– Gavin Hastings, 1989-93 Lion

It was a fair tackle. Ron Elvidge was the captain of the All Blacks in this test. And he had the ball and I knew I left the ground, hit him, and I didn’t realise but apparently I fractured his sternum.
– Doctor Jackie Matthews, 1950 Lion