“A Lions tour takes in non-Test matches and has to as players from four countries are moulded into one”

A Lions tour is a throwback. It takes in non-Test matches, and has to as players from four countries are moulded into one.

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There is barely space for it in the calendar, but it has become such a profitable venture, for hosts and visitors, that its future in a changing landscape is assured: no one can afford to give it up.

It is 137 years since a touring party from Britain set out for the south, and it was unofficial because it was not sanctioned by a union. Alfred Shaw and Arthur Shrewsbury, more associated with cricket with the former succeeding WG Grace as England's captain and the latter his immediate predecessor, led a troupe that was largely from the north of England and Scotland with back rower WH Thomas the one Welsh representative.

The tourists were away for nine months and played 53 matches-18 in Victoria under Australian Rules laws - with a squad of 22, one of whom, JP Clowes, did not play at all having been ruled by the Rugby Football Union to be professional for receiving £15 to buy clothes and essentials for the trip. Had he made an appearance, he would have professionalised his team-mates.

This year's Lions will want for nothing, flying in comfort, staying in top hotels, playing on manicured pitches and well rewarded for their time.

It was rather different in 1888. In Wellington, the home side was denied a touchdown when the ball was caught in telephone wires which ran across the field while in Nelson, a player was thrown head first into a hedge next to the touchline and emerged plucking thorns out of his head.