British & Irish Lions

Inspirational Ireland and Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris has been forced to retire at the unfortunate age of just 28 with a persistent ankle problem.

The Southern Hemisphere rugby union press are full of this story and their old friend Quade Cooper has added his opinions. Whenever there is rugby news or debate in this part of the world, we turn to Scott Donaldson.

Warren Gatland admits the fallout from dropping Brian O'Driscoll for the summer's final British Lions Test will put an "extra twist" on Wales' trip to Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations.

It has been announced today that Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has won the Rugby Union Writers' Club Player of the Year Award for 2013.

Throughout 2013 Scott has brought Talking Rugby Union readers news, commentary and insights about Southern Hemisphere rugby.

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland has signed a new long-term contract to remain coach of the nation until after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The British and Irish Lions were named the team of the year and Warren Gatland won the coach of the year award at the 2013 BBC Sports Personality awards held in Leeds last night.

Wales and British Lions head coach Warren Gatland has been named the UK coach of the year at the 2013 UK Coaching Awards.

British and Irish Lions and Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi has apologised for a 'bunny ears' prank during a photocall with Prime Minister David Cameron.

Knee ligament damage has ruled England and Leicester flanker Tom Croft out of this year’s Six Nations and the entire Aviva Premiership.

Ireland and Lions legendary centre, Brian O'Driscoll has admitted that he still resents Lions coach Warren Gatland for dropping him.

Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions needed a win in front of 83,702 supporters in Sydney to claim their first series in 16 years after previously infallible kicker Leigh Halfpenny failed to convert a last minute penalty to overturn a 1 point deficit in Melbourne as the second test finished 16-15 to the Australians.

So it will come down to the final game. Right down to the wire. And who would have predicted this?

Coach Warren Gatland and captain Sam Warburton address the media following the British & Irish Lions' 16-15 defeat to Australia in the second Test in Melbourne.

Former England and British & Irish Lions forward Peter Winterbottom says the team deserved their 23-21 success in the opening Test in Brisbane.

Australian captain James Horwill has been cited after appearing to stamp on the head of British & Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn-Jones during the opening Test.

The British & Irish Lions got their campaign off to the perfect start with a 23-21 win over Australia in the opening match in Brisbane.

HSBC Ambassador George Gregan has picked his Wallaby starting line-up for the first test against The Lions in Brisbane on 22nd June 2013.

For the last few months rumours have been circulating that next year the All Blacks, South Africa and Australia could come together to create a SANZAR team.

With the British and Irish Lions 2013 tour to Australia countdown now less than a year away, we thought at Talking Rugby Union we would publish our British and Irish Lions teams we would play.