Why is the British Rugby team called the Lions?

Question

Do you get Lions in England? You get Springboks in SA, you get Wallabys in Australia, you get Eagles in USA.

Is this just typical English?

Answer 1

Because the lion the wrong side constantly.

boom tish.

Answer 2

like others have stated, it can't be "typical English" because The British and Irish lions are made up of more than Just England

They are made up of Thie Island of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and island of Ireland (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland)

an they were named the Lions because of the Lion emblem on their shirts

The lion has been used as a symbol of the United Kingdom; one is depicted behind Britannia on the 50 pence piece and one is shown crowned on the back of the 10 pence piece. It is used as a symbol on the non-ceremonial flag of the British Army. Lions have been used as heraldic devices, including in the royal arms of the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Kingdom of Gwynedd in Wales. The lion is featured on the emblem of the England national football team, giving rise to the popular football anthem Three Lions, and the England national cricket team. The "three lions" on the English coat of arms were originally two leopards. An extra leopard was added by Richard the Lionheart and with the help of his name, they became known as three lions. They are now drawn to look more like lions. Leopards are traditionally depicted lying down whereas lions were drawn standing on all fours or up on their hind legs attacking, as in the Scottish Lion Rampant.

they were also named so, when the Republic of Ireland was a part of the United Kindom and before it became independent.

Answer 3

It's because England is represented by 3 lions on its coat of arms and this is always displayed on the shirts of sports people who are representing England (Rugby, Cricket and Football).

PS The three lions only represent England, not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Answer 4

the Lions aren't an English team. There's also a lion on the Scottish flag as well so maybe they thought as two of the four teams involved in the Lions have a Lion symbol associated with them, then that was the best symbol to use for the combined team. I'm not sure though.

Answer 5

It's British and Irish lions and calling it typically English is stupid. Australia has rugby league teams called the Panthers and Tigers, are they native to Australia? It's just a name, get over it.

Answer 6

the lion is the nations emblem, dont know why it just is! its better than being called the 'nancies' I suppose

Answer 7

Because the crest of King Richard III (one that is constantly associated with england) has three lions on it. They get their name from the lions on this crest.

Answer 8

It's because the English emblem is 3 Lions. Whether it has anything to do with Richard the Lionheart I don't know, but we definately don't get lions here in England!

Answer 9

Funny how you call them "typical English" yet clearly know nothing about the country or even the team you are asking the question about.

The Lions are not English, They are made up of

England

Ireland

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

It's a bit embarrassing really as even with all that to choose from we still can't beat the southern hemisphere teams

Answer 10

Sarah's right. What d'ya mean "typical English?" Are you being cheeky young whipper? Are you implying that we are somehow prone to exaggerate? To see ourselves as Lions when we are in fact lambs?

Answer 11

It's called the free use of signs, symbols and signifiers.

You are clearly an anglophobe and I can't take you seriously as you are a racist. Before you deny this, the statement "typical English" clearly demonstrates your prejudice.

I don't believe anybody has any right to stop us using the Lion symbol.

Answer 12

The Lions name was coined during the inter-war period, when the emblem on the players' jersey and lapel badges gave them their alternative title.