From The Vaults

21 April 2025

1899 Lions Scrapbook

Having toured in 1896, Blackheath's Matthew Mulineux returned as manager and captain when the British side returned to Australia in 1899. The brilliant Welshman Gwyn Nicholls would be the tour's highest try scorer and Durham's Charlie Adamson contributed the most points.

Against all expectation, Australia celebrated their first ever international Test-match by beating the touring side 13-3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Mullineux dropped himself and brought Moseley's Guy Evers and Northampton's Blair Swannell into the side for the remaining Tests, which the British side won and thus secured the series.

'Got a kick just below the knee which however did not interfere with my enjoying the dance in the evening.' - Guy Evers, 1899

Evers was a keen diarist and scrapbooker and we have examples of both in the World Rugby Museum's collection. The following images are from a large scrapbook of newspaper cuttings and photographs relating to the 1899 'Anglo-Australian' tour.

The "Oceana"

Leaving London on 9 May, the touring party travelled to Marseilles where they boarded the ocean liner that would be their home for the next 5 weeks. Upon reaching Adelaide they had a further 2000+ mile railway journey to Sydney.

'England'

Despite being the first Lions to feature an international player from each of the four Home Nations, the tourists were often referred to as the England team.

First Test

The first Test of the tour was Australia's first ever international rugby match. The home team scored the first try of the game and came away with a 13-3 victory.

souvenirs

As well as photos and newspaper clippings, Evers also included mementos such as these scenes of Australia.

Visit the Exhibition

The Special Exhibition, 'The History of the British & Irish Lions', runs at the World Rugby Museum until the end of September 2025. Objects on display include a programme and blazer badge from the 1899 tour as well as material from almost every Lions tour since 1888.

Entry is included with all World Rugby Museum and Allianz Stadium Tour tickets.

Book Tickets

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