The British & Irish Lions jerseys will include player names for the first time, in what is a move into an new era from the world famous touring side. The names will be etched upon the heralded red jerseys for the opening match of the 2025 tour, as the Lions take on Argentina in Dublin tomorrow night.
With a decorated history that dates all the way back to 1888, the decision to include player names upon shirts ends 136 years of consistency from the Lions. This move follows the trajectory of the modern Test match landscape, as England were the first country to add player's names to their shirts ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
This was then followed by the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations, which was the first iteration of the competition to include player names upon all six of the competing nation's shirts. The Lions make history ahead of their 39th Lions tour, with this personal touch set to make the viewing experience all the more engaging for the fans.
England , United Kingdom - 8 May 2025; A detailed view of the British & Irish Lions jersey ahead of the British & Irish Lions Squad and Captain announcement for the 2025 Tour of Australia at Indigo at The O2 in London, England. (Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Lions fans that have a love for a particular player, will be able to buy their specific 'name and number' jersey to wear in support of the tour. Saracens and England fans could pick up an "Itoje 4" jersey to get behind their captain, or a Bath or Scotland supporters could get their hands on a "Russell 10" shirt, to cheer on their favourite Flying Scotsman.
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