2005 British & Irish Lions Rugby Shirt (L)

Condition: 8/10 Excellent. Some wear to the sponsor

Size: Adult Large (loose fitting)

Chest Measurement: 44-46 Inches / 112-117 CM

Manufacturer: Adidas

Colour: Red, white trim

Material: Polyester

Seasons: 2005

Player: N/A

Patches: 2005 Tour vs New Zealand

Official Adidas British & Irish Lions home rugby shirt from the 2005 summer tour.

The condition of this original rugby jersey is 8/10 - Excellent. Some wear to the sponsor (see photos).

In 2005, the British and Irish Lions rugby union team toured New Zealand for the first time since 1993, playing seven matches against first and second division teams from the National Provincial Championship, one match against the New Zealand Māori rugby team, and three test matches against New Zealand (the All Blacks). The Lions lost all three games of the test series, the first time in 22 years that the Lions lost every test match on tour.

This tour followed the 2001 tour to Australia and preceded the 2009 tour to South Africa.

The team was managed by former England international Bill Beaumont, coached by former England coach Sir Clive Woodward, and originally captained by Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll suffered a controversial tour-ending injury two minutes into the first test, and Wales captain Gareth Thomas took over as captain for the final four games of the tour.

The poor test results of the 2005 Lions, despite having one of the most experienced playing squads and the largest management team of any Lions tour, led to criticism of Woodward, particularly his selection policy, and prompted commentators to question the future of the Lions.