The story of the historic 1930 Tour of New Zealand by the British Isles XV is the inspiration of our Vintage British Isles XV Collection of Rugby Clothing. Available as a Rugby Shirt, Polo Shirt and T-Shirt only here. Inspiration for these designs is drawn from British Lions history.

The 1930 tourists each had to pay £80 expenses, gain 6 months leave from their employers and provide their own dinner jacket which was to be worn nightly when dining.

The British Isles Fifteen began the tour well and the Kiwis became a little agitated when the tourists refused to change their shirts resulting in New Zealand having to wear a White jersey for the first time.

New Zealand were big favourites, but the tourists shocked them 6-3 in Christchurch to win the first test.

In the build-up to the game a delegation led by George Beamish the Irish Lock Forward

, expressed displeasure at the fact whilst the blue of Scotland, white of England and Red of Wales were represented in the strip there was no green for Ireland. A green flash was added to the socks and the tour is recognized as the first where the team gained its famous nickname.

There was bound to be a backlash following the first test defeat and New Zealand beat the tourists 13-10 and 15-10 in two close encounters. The fourth Test was more one sided with New Zealand victors by 22-8.

Once again, the 1936 British Isles Tourists of Argentina wore the three heraldic Lions crest on their jerseys and blazers.

The tour party was skippered by Bernard Gadney of Leicester who had been appointed England captain in 1934, leading his country to a Triple Crown.

The British Isles also had Alexander Obolensky in their ranks, the Russian Prince who famously scored two tries in his English debut in the 13-0 win over New Zealand.

The tourists outclassed the Argentinian teams winning all ten matches, including a comfortable 23-0 victory over the national team in Buenos Aires on the 16th August 1936.

Our vintage British Isles Fifteen collection is inspired by the 1930 and 1936 tourists and includes a jersey, polo and t-shirt.  All manufactured from satin touch 100% cotton or chunky pique cotton and features appliqués and detailed embroidery on the crest.

Ellis Rugby is proud to remember and honour the tourists of 1930 and 1936 with their heritage range of rugby clothing available exclusively at Ellis Rugby. See the history for yourself with our video of the British Isles XV: