Seven New Wonders
- Chichen Itza - Mexico
- Christ the Redeemer - Brazil
- Great Wall of China - China
- Machupicchu - Peru
- Petra - Jordan
- Roman Colosseum - Italy
- Taj Mahal - India
Useful Resources
A 'Tour de Force' with the British and Irish Lions
Four Nations, One Team
The British and Irish Lions see the ultimate unification of the top players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland's rugby union teams. Not to be confused with its rugby league cousin, the Great Britain Lions, the team plays to rugby union rules, with 15 players a side and with scrums and unlimited tackles permitted throughout play. Playing together since 1949, the Lions represent an alliance of four very distinct areas of the British Isles- something reflected in the four quarters of the British and Irish Lions team badge- but one that has proven to be very successful in the world of rugby union.
Hitting the Road
As one of the top union teams in the world, the Lions have gathered a large following of supporters and every four years, the time rolls around that every Lions fan gets excited about- the lions tour. Taking place in any one of the three southern hemisphere nations of South Africa, New Zealand or Australia, the tour is a month long sporting extravaganza. The latest tournament, upcoming in June 2013, sees the tour take to Australia. Starting off in Hong Kong with a weekend of play against the New Zealand Barbarians, the tour then moves from Asia to Australia for the main event. Spanning the country, games take place everywhere from Perth to Brisbane, Melbourne to Sydney, offering supporters the chance to see a slice of Australia alongside the Lions themselves.
A Trip Worth Taking
Any dedicated sports fan prioritises the chance to see their team play and British and Irish Lions fans are no different. However, with the tour always a distance away from home territory and to places renowned for their tourist attractions, it is definitely worthwhile combining the tour with some additional sightseeing on the side.
Australia is particularly renowned for its attractions. A country that is famous for its beaches, visitors can take time between games to try out surfing, water skiing or simply catching a tan on the beach! Adventurous types can otherwise journey into Australia's vast outback, with its miles of desert and dangerous wildlife, or simply spend time exploring the country's iconic cities, enjoying everything from food to exciting nightlife!
The British and Irish Lions rugby team have amassed a huge following over the past century and their tours to the other side of the world see fan flock in their thousands. The 2013 tour to Australia looks set to be no different. In addition, with games across the country, not only do supporters have the chance to witness their rugby team play, but are also given the opportunity to see a bit of real Australia on the side.
AUTHOR BIO
Jennifer is a sports enthusiast who writes on a regular basis for a variety of sporting websites and blogs. An avid rugby supporter, she is currently preparing to follow the Lions tour Down Under for their 2013 tournament.