1888 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia

File:1888 British Lions.jpg and the East Melbourne Cricket Ground, on both of which the team played Australian Rules Football against local clubs]]

The 1888 tour was organised by three professional English cricketers, James Lillywhite, Alfred Shaw and Arthur Shrewsbury,{{cite book|title=125 Years of the British and Irish Lions: The Official History|first=Clem|last=Thomas|year=2013|publisher=Random House|isbn=9781780577388|page=[https://archive.org/details/125yearsofbritis0000thom/page/ The Genesis of the Lions]|url=https://archive.org/details/125yearsofbritis0000thom/page/}} but they could not obtain patronage from the Rugby Football Union who refused to patronise by the tour,Griffiths (1987), pg 9:3. though the RFU was happy for the tour to go ahead, provided there was no infringement of the rules of amateurism.Griffiths (1990), pg 15. The team was led by England's Robert L Seddon and took in 35 games, though no test matches against international opposition. Of the games played the tourists won twenty seven, drew six and lost two matches.

The tour was undertaken by Shaw and Shrewsbury as a purely financial exercise with little regard to producing a "British Isles" team, and the team itself is more often recorded as an English team. The two managers were not unfamiliar with touring sides, having organised cricket teams to Australia, and the rugby tour was a follow on from the financially disastrous England Cricket tour of 1887.

File:1888 England team.jpg]]

The rugby tour was not an economic success either and lost both managers money. Worse was to occur when team captain Seddon, drowned on 15 August[http://www.espnscrum.com/england/rugby/player/780.html Robert Seddon rugby statistics] scrum.com. Accessed 7 March 2009. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200323013452/http://www.espnscrum.com/england/rugby/player/780.html Archived] 2009-05-03. in an accident while sculling on the Hunter River[http://www.lionsrugby.com/5710.php?PHPSESSID=1f0db26c9ca845611524170106c51d0f Seddon's last hurrah] Lionsrugby.com. Accessed 7 March 2009. [https://archive.today/20120915060355/http://www.lionsrugby.com/5710.php?PHPSESSID=1f0db26c9ca845611524170106c51d0f Archived] 2009-05-03. in West Maitland. The captaincy was then passed to Andrew Stoddart a future England rugby captain and Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

A further economic issue that related to the tour was the burgeoning professional movement that was gathering momentum in England at the time. Rugby players and clubs in Britain were divided by the growing belief that players should be paid for their time playing their sport. The growing popularity of the now professional Association Football was causing many, especially in the North of England, to challenge the amateur standing of the union code.[https://www.lionsrugby.com/history/1888/04/28/1888-1899-touring-tradition-begins/ 1888 – The Touring tradition begins] on Lions website

One of the catalysts to the split between amateur union code and the future league code, was when Jack P. Clowes, a member of the 1888 tour, was designated a 'professional' sportsman after he accepted £15 to buy equipment shortly before he left for Australia. The other players on the tour were then required to sign an affidavit to state they were not to be paid for playing rugby when in Australia and New Zealand.Smart, Ted The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Rugby: The Definitive Guide to World Rugby Union; Carlton Books (1997) {{ISBN|1-85868-076-X}}

File:England and South Melbourne in front of the grandstand at the South Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1888 from The Age 29 April 1933 pg 18.png in front of the grandstand at the South Melbourne Cricket Ground.]]

In addition to playing 35 game of rugby union, the Lions team also played 19 games of Victorian Rules Football (later known as Australian rules football). The Lions won 6 of the matches under the Australian rules, despite having no experience with the code prior to the tour.{{cite web| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/jun/27/lions-tour-1888-forgotten-story| title=The forgotten story of ... the 1888 Lions tour| work=The Guardian| date=27 June 2013| access-date=27 June 2013}}

{{Football kit box|align=right|pattern_la=_redbluehoops|pattern_b=_redbluehoops|pattern_ra=_redbluehoops|leftarm=ffffff|body=ffffff|rightarm=ffffff|shorts=ffffff|socks=000066|title=Team kit}}

The uniforms worn by the side on their first tour was a jersey displaying thick red, white and blue hoops, white shorts and dark socks.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080607011421/http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/412.php Lions change their stripes] on Lions website, 17 April 2005

• Manager: A Shaw and A Shrewsbury

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Tommy Haslam (Batley)
• A.G. Paul{{cite web|title=Cricinfo – Players and Officials – Arthur Paul |url=http://content.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/18796.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107132655/http://content.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/18796.html |archive-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=7 March 2009 }} (Swinton)

• Harry Collinge Speakman (Runcorn)
• Herbert Brooks (Edinburgh University), (Durham)
• Jack Anderton (Salford)
• Andrew Stoddart, (Blackheath)

• Walter Bumby (Swinton)
• Johnny Nolan (Rochdale Hornets)
• W. "Willie" Burnet (Hawick)

{{col-2}}

• Robert Seddon (Swinton) (captain)
• Charlie Mathers (Bramley)
• Sam Williams (Salford)
• Tom Banks (Swinton)
• Harry Eagles (Salford)
• Angus Stuart (Dewsbury – Scottish uncapped)
• W.H. Thomas (Cambridge University)
• Tom Kent (Salford)
• A.P. Penketh (Douglas), (Isle of Man)
• R. "Bob" Burnet (Hawick RFC)
• A. J. Laing (Hawick RFC)
• John Smith (Edinburgh University)
• Jack P. Clowes (Halifax)

{{col-end}}

Two-thirds of the touring party belonged to clubs that, within a few years, would defect to the Northern Rugby Football Union, founding the game of rugby league.{{cite book|last=Geoffrey Moorhouse|author-link=Geoffrey Moorhouse|title=At the George: And Other Essays on Rugby League|year=2013|publisher=Faber & Faber|location=UK|isbn=9780571300082|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISbwAAAAQBAJ}}

Complete list of matches played by the British Isles in Australia and New Zealand:[http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/lions_results.html British & Irish Lions results] on Rugby Football History[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4428407.stm Early Lions: Squads and results (1888–1938)] on BBC Sport, 18 May 2005

Two different scoring systems were in use. For games played in New Zealand and the Australian states of Queensland and South Australia, a try was worth one point, a conversion was worth two points and a drop goal was worth three points.{{efn|These values also applied in Victoria.}} For games played in New South Wales, the points values were; try - two points, conversion - three points, drop goal - four points.{{cite book |last1=Morris |first1=Graham |title=Rugby Victoriana |date=2024 |publisher=Scratching Shed |location=Leeds |isbn=978 106861 898 7 |page=163}}

{{inc-sport|date=September 2024}}

{{inc-results|date=September 2024}}

The points system for matches in New Zealand was one point for a try.

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 28 April

|time=

|home = Otago

|score = 3–8

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18880428.2.27|title=Football - England v. Otago|newspaper=Evening Star |location=Dunedin |date=28 Apr 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=2|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1=

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1= Morrison

|gfm1=

|try2= Kent, Anderton

|con2= Anderton 0/1, Haslam 0/1

|pen2=

|drop2= Speakman 2

|gfm2=

|stadium = (The Old) Caledonian Ground, Dunedin

|attendance = 10,000

|referee =W Wyinks
Umpires: WD Milne (O) Dr. Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Wednesday, 2 June

|time= 3:00pm

|home = Otago

|score = 3–4

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18880503.2.22|title=The English Football Team - Second Match Against Otago|newspaper=Otago Daily Times |location=Dungog |date=3 May 1888 |access-date=19 Sep 2024 |page=2|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1= Keogh

|con1= Lynch 1/1

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Banks, Nolan, J Anderton

|con2= J Anderton 1/1, AG Paul 0/1

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = (The Old) Caledonian Ground, Dunedin

|attendance = 8,000

|referee = W Wyinks
Umpires: WD Milne (O), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 5 May

|time= 2:45pm

|home = Canterbury

|score = 6–14

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP18880507.2.44|title=Football - England versus Canterbury|newspaper=The Press |location=Christchurch |date=7 May 1888 |access-date=20 Sep 2024 |page=5|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1= Harley

|con1= Weekes 1/1

|pen1=

|drop1= Helmore

|gfm1=

|try2= Haslam 2, Bumby 2, Stoddart

|con2= Anderton 2/3, Paul 1/2

|pen2=

|drop2= Paul

|gfm2=

|stadium = Lancaster Park, Christchurch

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = Rev. John Hoatson
Umpires: AM Ollivier (C), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

On Monday, 7 May at Lancaster Park, the British played a team of Canterbury footballers in a game under Victorian Rules (Australian Rules Football). The teams were 17-a-side rather than the twenty as was usual at the time. Players in both teams had an incomplete understanding of the rules. The result of the match was a win to the British. Scores: Canterbury nil. British Isles 6. Goals to Speakman 4, Eagles, Smith.{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP18880508.2.34|title=Football - The English Team - The Victorian Game|newspaper=The Press |location=Christchurch |date=8 May 1888 |access-date=21 Sep 2024 |page=5|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Wednesday, 9 May

|time= 3.04pm

|home = Canterbury

|score = 0–4

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP18880510.2.31|title=Football - England versus Canterbury|newspaper=The Press |location=Christchurch |date=10 May 1888 |access-date=20 Sep 2024 |page=5|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT18880510.2.42|title=Anglo-Colonial Football|newspaper=Lyttelton Times |location=Lyttleton |date=10 May 1888 |access-date=20 Sep 2024 |page=6|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1=

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Nolan 3, AP Penketh

|con2= Paul 0/4

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Lancaster Park, Christchurch

|attendance = 2,500-3,500

|referee = Rev. John Hoatson
Umpires: AM Ollivier (C), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 12 May

|time=

|home = Wellington

|score = 3–3

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18880514.2.45|title=Football - England v. Wellington|newspaper=Evening Post |location=Welllington |date=14 May 1888 |access-date=21 Sep 2024 |page=4|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}>{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM18880514.2.7|title=Football - Wellington v. The English Team|newspaper=The New Zealand Times |location=Welllington |date=14 May 1888 |access-date=23 Sep 2024 |page=3|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1=

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1= Thomson

|gfm1=

|try2= Haslam

|con2= Paul 1/1

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Basin Reserve, Wellington

|attendance = 6,000-7,000

|referee = CA Knapp
Umpires: S Nicholls (W), S Williams (B).

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Monday, 14 May

|time= 3pm

|home = H Roberts' XV

|score = 4–1

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18880515.2.46|title=Football - England v. Roberts' Team|newspaper=Evening Post |location=Welllington |date=15 May 1888 |access-date=23 Sep 2024 |page=4|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM18880515.2.8|title=Football - England v. Roberts' Team|newspaper=The New Zealand Times |location=Welllington |date=15 May 1888 |access-date=23 Sep 2024 |page=3|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1=

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2=

|con2=

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Basin Reserve, Wellington

|attendance = 2,500

|referee = H McCardell
Umpires: E Davy (R), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Wednesday, 16 May

|time= 2:51pm

|home = Taranaki

|score = 1–0

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HNS18880517.2.12|title=Football - The English Team in New Zealand - The Taranaki Match|newspaper=Hawera and Normanby Star |location=Taranaki |date=17 May 1888 |access-date=23 Sep 2024 |page=2|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1= H Good

|con1= Coghill 0/1

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2=

|con2=

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = New Plymouth Racecourse

|attendance = 3,000

|referee = Fred Bayly
Umpires: GT Bayly (T), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 19 May

|time=

|home = Auckland

|score = 3–6

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18880521.2.49|title=Football - England v. Auckland - The First Match|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |location=Auckland |date=21 May 1888 |access-date=24 Sep 2024 |page=6|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1= McKenzie

|con1= McCausland 1/1

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Seddon, Anderton

|con2= Paul 2/2

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Tramway Company’s Grounds, Potter’s Field, Epsom, Auckland.

|attendance = 6,000

|referee = T Macky
Umpires: J Arneil (A), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Thursday, 24 May
(Queen's Birthday)

|time= 2:30pm

|home = Auckland

|score = 4–0

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18880525.2.43|title=England v. Auckland - The Return Football Match|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |location=Auckland |date=25 May 1888 |access-date=24 Sep 2024 |page=6|publisher=National Library of New Zealand}}

|try1= Elliott

|con1= McCausland 0/1

|pen1=

|drop1= Hobson

|gfm1=

|try2=

|con2=

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Tramway Company’s Grounds, Potter’s Field, Epsom, Auckland.

|attendance = 8,000

|referee = T Macky
Umpires: J Arneil (A), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

The points system for matches in Australia was two points for a try.

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 2 June

|time=

|home = New South Wales

|score = 2–18

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688217|title=International Football Match|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney |date=4 Jun 1888 |access-date=13 Sep 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229942327|title=Saturday's Sports|newspaper=The Australian Star |location=Sydney |date=4 Jun 1888 |access-date=13 Sep 2024 |page=8 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= Hale

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Bumby 3, Eagles, Seddon, Stoddart

|con2= Anderton 1/4, Paul 1/2

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Association Cricket Ground, Sydney

|attendance = 13,000

|referee = RW Thallon
Umpires: JF McManamey (NSW) Dr. Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Thursday, 7 June

|time=

|home = Bathurst

|score = 6–13

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62219577|title=Grand Football Match|newspaper=The Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal |location=Bathurst |date=7 Jun 1888 |access-date=16 Sep 2024 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688655|title=The English Football Team at Bathurst|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney |date=7 Jun 1888 |access-date=17 Sep 2024 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= J Meagher, Lydiard, Butler

|con1= J Fish 0/2, Read 0/1

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Eagles 2, Seddon, Nolan, Speakman

|con2= Anderton 1/4, Haslam 0/1

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Bathurst Cricket Ground, Bathurst

|attendance =

|referee = RM Lindsay; Umpires: H Ford (Bath), Dr. Smith (Brit)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 9 June

|time=

|home = New South Wales

|score = 6–18

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688770|title=International Football Match|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney |date=11 Jun 1888 |access-date=17 Sep 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229931083|title=The Play|newspaper=The Australian Star |location=Sydney |date=11 Jun 1888 |access-date=17 Sep 2024 |page=8 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= Neill

|con1= Baylis

|pen1=

|drop1= Colquhoun

|gfm1=

|try2= Stoddart 2, Eagles 2, Brooks, Mathers

|con2= Anderton 1/2, Stoddart 1/3

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Association Cricket Ground, Sydney

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = RW Thallon
Umpires: McManamey (NSW), T Banks (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Monday, 11 June

|time=

|home = Sydney Juniors

|score = 0–11

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229932949|title=Football - England v. 18 Juniors|newspaper=The Australian Star |location=Sydney |date=12 Jun 1888 |access-date=25 Sep 2024 |page=7 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13688948|title=Football|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney |date=12 Jun 1888 |access-date=25 Sep 2024 |page=9 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1=

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Anderton, Williams, Speakman, Bumby

|con2= Anderton 1/4

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Association Cricket Ground, Sydney

|attendance =

|referee = Mr Hall
Umpires: Clapin (SJ), T Banks (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Tuesday, 12 June

|time=

|home = King's School Past & Present

|score = 10–10

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248805533|title=The Englishmen in Parramatta|newspaper=Cumberland Mercury |location=Parramatta |date=13 Jun 1888 |access-date=25 Sep 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127596180|title=The English Footballers at Parramatta|newspaper=The Referee |location=Sydney |date=14 Jun 1888 |access-date=25 Sep 2024 |page=8 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= Rice, Wade

|con1= P Baylis 2/2

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Haslam, Anderton, Stoddart

|con2= Unnamed 0/5

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Parramatta Cricket Ground

|attendance =

|referee =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

|title = Carlton

|date = Saturday, 16 June, 2:45pm

|home team = Carlton

|home Q1 = 2.5

|home Q2 = 7.7

|home Q3 = 8.10

|home final = 14.17

|home goals = Berry 3, Baker 2, Green 2, A. Coulson, Goer, Cook, Gellaty, M McInerney, McKechnie, Hutchison

|winner = H

|away team = British Isles

|away Q1 = 0.1

|away Q2 = 0.1

|away Q3 = 3.7

|away final = 3.8

|away goals = Thomas, Smith, Banks

|venue = Melbourne Cricket Ground

|crowd = 22,000

|report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195991164|title=International Football Match|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=16 Jun 1888 |access-date=13 Sep 2024 |page=10 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195994717|title=Football - The First International Match - England v Carlton|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=18 Jun 1888 |access-date=19 Sep 2024 |page=8 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227688792|title=International Football|newspaper=The Sportsman (Melbourne) |location=Melbourne |date=20 Jun 1888 |access-date=19 Sep 2024 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = PH Roy

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

|title = Bendigo

|date = Wednesday, 20 June, 2:45pm

|home team = Bendigo

|home Q1 = 0.0

|home Q2 = 0.8

|home Q3 = 0.8

|home final = 1.14

|home goals = J. Graham

|winner = A

|away team = British Isles

|away Q1 = 2.4

|away Q2 = 3.5

|away Q3 = 5.16

|away final = 5.16

|away goals = Brooks, Speakman, Seddon, Eagles, Stuart

|venue = Back Creek Cricket Ground

|crowd = 4,000{{mdash}}5,000

|report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88550567|title=Sporting Notes|newspaper=Bendigo Advertiser |location=Bendigo |date=20 Jun 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88550619|title=Sporting Notes - Football - England v. Bendigo|newspaper=Bendigo Advertiser |location=Bendigo |date=21 Jun 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Alf Laver

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

|title = Castlemaine

|date = Thursday, 21 June, 3:15pm

|home team = Castlemaine

|home Q1 = 0.2

|home Q2 = 0.3

|home Q3 = 1.4

|home final = 1.4

|home goals = Lawrenson

|winner = H

|away team = British Isles

|away Q1 = 0.1

|away Q2 = 0.1

|away Q3 = 1.2

|away final = 1.2

|away goals = Nolan

|venue = Camp Reserve

|crowd = 1,000{{mdash}}2,000

|report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198511302|title=Football - England v Castlemaine|newspaper=Mount Alexander Mail |location=Castlemaine |date=20 Jun 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198510603|title=Football|newspaper=Mount Alexander Mail |location=Castlemaine |date=22 Jun 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = F Dickason

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = South Melbourne

| date = Saturday, 23 June

| home team = South Melbourne

| home Q1 = 2.6

| home Q2 = 5.10

| home Q3 = 6.16

| home final = 7.29

| home goals = Reid, McShane, Kerr, Clinton, McKay, Dowdell, Young

| home best =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.2

| away Q2 = 1.5

| away Q3 = 3.7

| away final = 3.7

| away goals = Paul, Brooks, Eagles

| away best =

| venue = South Melbourne Cricket Ground

| crowd = 7,500

| report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195992382|title=Football - International - England v. South Melbourne|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=23 Jun 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=10 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195995468|title=Football - South Melbourne v. England|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=25 Jun 1888 |access-date=18 Sep 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Maryborough

| date = Wednesday, 27 June, 3:00pm

| home team = Maryborough

| home Q1 = 1.5

| home Q2 = 1.9

| home Q3 = 2.11

| home final = 4.13

| home goals = J Hoag, T Elliott, Casey, Grigg

| home best =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.1

| away Q2 = 1.6

| away Q3 = 3.9

| away final = 3.11

| away goals = Paul 3

| away best =

| venue = Princes Park

| crowd = 7,000

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209443887|title=Sporting News - England v Maryborough|newspaper=The Ballarat Star |location=Ballarat |date=28 Jun 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires =

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = South Ballarat

| date = Friday, 29 June

| home team = South Ballarat

| home Q1 = 2.6

| home Q2 = 4.9

| home Q3 = 4.16

| home final = 7.18

| home goals = Lyon 2, Connaughton, Jacka, White, Doney, Moore

| home best =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 0.3

| away Q2 = 0.5

| away Q3 = 1.7

| away final = 3.7

| away goals = Paul, Chapman, Haslam

| away best =

| venue = Eastern Oval

| crowd = 7,000{{mdash}}8,000

| report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209443893|title=Football|newspaper=The Ballarat Star |location=Ballarat |date=28 Jun 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209444017|title=Football - South Ballarat v. Englishmen|newspaper=The Ballarat Star |location=Ballarat |date=30 Jun 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = JJ Trait

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Fitzroy

| date = Saturday, 30 June, 3:00pm

| home team = Fitzroy

| home Q1 = 5.5

| home Q2 = 8.6

| home Q3 = 10.19

| home final = 12.20

| home goals = Nicholls 2, Docherty 2, Buckley 2, Schmidt 2, Brown, Rappiport, Tuner, unnamed

| home best =

| home injuries = Brown, Rappiport

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 0.0

| away Q2 = 1.1

| away Q3 = 1.1

| away final = 3.4

| away goals = Williams, Brooks, Haslam

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Fitzroy Cricket Ground

| crowd = 7,000{{mdash}}8,000

| report = Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6893193|title=Fitzroy v. England|newspaper=The Argus |location=Melbourne |date=2 Jul 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196001936|title=Football - England v. Fitzroy|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=2 Jul 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Welsford

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Port Melbourne

| date = Tuesday, 3 July

| home team = Port Melbourne

| home Q1 = 0.4

| home Q2 = 2.6

| home Q3 = 4.9

| home final = 7.15

| home goals = Hannaysee 3, Daly, Graham, Taylor, Hill

| home best =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.5

| away Q2 = 4.8

| away Q3 = 5.11

| away final = 6.11

| away goals = Haslam, Williams, Seddon, Penketh, Paul, (R or W) Burnet

| away best =

| venue = East Melbourne Cricket Ground

| crowd = 600

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6893436|title=Football - Port Melbourne v. England|newspaper=The Argus |location=Melbourne |date=4 Jul 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = PH Roy

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = South Adelaide

| date = Saturday, 7 July, 3:03pm

| home team = South Adelaide

| home Q1 = 4.3

| home Q2 = 5.5

| home Q3 = 8.9

| home final = 8.9

| home goals = Heenan 2, Watling 2, Grogan, Sinclair, Hill, Martin

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.2

| away Q2 = 3.6

| away Q3 = 4.7

| away final = 5.9

| away goals = Speakman 2, Stuart, Penketh, Thomas

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue =Adelaide Oval

| crowd = 5,000

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36434554|title=International Football - England v. South Adelaide|newspaper=Adelaide Advertiser |location=Adelaide |date=9 Jul 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Blackman

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Port Adelaide

| date = Tuesday, 10 July

| home team = Port Adelaide

| home Q1 = 0.2

| home Q2 = 4.5

| home Q3 = 7.5

| home final = 7.8

| home goals = Phillips 4, A Bushby, Miers, C Fry

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = A

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 2.4

| away Q2 = 4.4

| away Q3 = 4.6

| away final = 8.8

| away goals = Stoddart 3, Mathers 2, Thomas, Paul, Kent

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Adelaide Oval

| crowd = 2,000

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36434621|title=Football - England v. Port Adelaide|newspaper=Adelaide Advertiser |location=Adelaide |date=11 Jul 1888 |access-date=26 Sep 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Sidoli

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Adelaide

| date = Thursday, 12 July,

| home team = Adelaide

| home Q1 = 2.6

| home Q2 = 2.9

| home Q3 = 5.12

| home final = 6.13

| home goals = McIntyre 2, Carter 2, Holbrook, Shawyer

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 0.0

| away Q2 = 3.1

| away Q3 = 3.5

| away final = 3.6

| away goals = AE Stoddart 2, WH Thomas

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Adelaide Oval

| crowd = 3,000

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36434694|title=Football - England v. Adelaide|newspaper=Adelaide Advertiser |location=Adelaide |date=13 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Blackman

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Norwood

| date = Saturday, 14 July, 3:03pm

| home team = Norwood

| home Q1 = 0.2

| home Q2 = 2.5

| home Q3 = 3.7

| home final = 5.8

| home goals = C Woods 3, Slattery, Haldane

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.0

| away Q2 = 2.0

| away Q3 = 3.1

| away final = 3.1

| away goals = Williams, Lawler, Stoddart

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Adelaide Oval

| crowd = 8,000

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36434844|title=Football - Norwood v. England|newspaper=Adelaide Advertiser |location=Adelaide |date=16 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=7 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Birrell

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Monday, 16 July

|time=3:03pm

|home = Adelaide Twenty

|score = 3–28

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36434902|title=Football - England v. South Australia|newspaper=Adelaide Advertiser |location=Adelaide |date=16 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204455710|title=Anglo-Australian Football|newspaper=Evening Journal |location=Adelaide |date=16 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1=

|con1=

|pen1=

|drop1=Keats

|gfm1=

|try2= Stoddart 3, Anderton, Mathers, Haslam, Eagles, Williams, Unnamed 6

|con2= Stoddart 2, Anderton, Kent, Burnet, Williams, Eagles

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Adelaide Oval

|attendance = 2,500

|referee = H Brooks
Umpires: Giles (A) and T Banks (B)

}}

The tourists returned to Victoria for six further Victorian Rules matches.

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Horsham

| date = Wednesday, 18 July, 3:00pm

| home team = Horsham

| home Q1 = 0.0

| home Q2 = 0.0

| home Q3 = 0.0

| home final = 0.2

| home goals =

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = A

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.2

| away Q2 = 3.2

| away Q3 = 5.4

| away final = 6.5

| away goals = Banks 4, Nolan 2

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Recreation Ground

| crowd = 1,500

| report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72884055|title=Sporting Items - Horsham v. England|newspaper=Horsham Times |location= |date=17 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72884128|title=Football - England v. Horsham|newspaper=Horsham Times |location= |date=20 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = W Bolton

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Ballarat Imperial

| date = Friday, 20 July

| home team = Ballarat Imperial

| home Q1 = 0.2

| home Q2 = 3.7

| home Q3 = 3.11

| home final = 4.15

| home goals = Thomas 2, Dawson, unnamed

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.0

| away Q2 = 1.0

| away Q3 = 1.1

| away final = 1.2

| away goals = Stoddart

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Saxon Paddock

| crowd =

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209444983|title=Football - Ballarat Imperial v. England|newspaper=The Ballarat Star |location=Ballarat |date=21 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Bourke

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Ballarat

| date = Saturday, 21 July

| home team = Ballarat

| home Q1 = 4.3

| home Q2 = 4.3

| home Q3 = 4.8

| home final = 4.8

| home goals = Ross, Gordon, Bodycombe, Ross

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = A

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 1.0

| away Q2 = 4.4

| away Q3 = 4.4

| away final = 5.8

| away goals = Kent, Burnet, last 3 unnamed

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Saxon Paddock

| crowd =

| report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209444893|title=Sporting News|newspaper=The Ballarat Star |location=Ballarat |date=20 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209445058|title=Football - Ballarat v. England|newspaper=The Ballarat Star |location=Ballarat |date=23 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = P Luplau

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Sandhurst (Bendigo)

| date = Wednesday, 25 July, 3:03pm

| home team = Sandhurst

| home Q1 = 1.2

| home Q2 = 1.4

| home Q3 = 2.9

| home final = 2.10

| home goals = Magee 2

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = A

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 0.2

| away Q2 = 2.2

| away Q3 = 2.3

| away final = 3.3

| away goals = Stoddart 2, Rushed

| away best =

| away injuries = Eagles

| venue = Back Creek Cricket Ground

| crowd =

| report = Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88552285|title=Sporting Notes|newspaper=Bendigo Advertiser |location=Bendigo |date=26 Jul 1888 |access-date=2 Oct 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = HS Skehan

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes = A goal given to the British was allowed to stand, after some discussion, despite the contention that it had been inadvertently kicked through the goalposts by a Sandhurst player.

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Kyneton

| date = Thursday, 26 July

| home team = Kyneton

| home Q1 = 0.2

| home Q2 = 0.5

| home Q3 = 0.?

| home final = 1.8

| home goals = Hobbs

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = A

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 2.4

| away Q2 = 2.4

| away Q3 = 2.?

| away final = 2.7

| away goals = Williams, Stoddart

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = Kyneton Racecourse

| crowd = 2,000

| report = Preview{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article240862681|title=Football - England v. Kyneton|newspaper=Kyneton Observer |location=Kyneton |date=26 Jul 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=2 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article240862695|title=Football - England v. Kyneton|newspaper=Kyneton Observer |location=Kyneton |date=28 Jul 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires = Ohe / Oke

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

{{AFLGameDetailed

| title = Essendon

| date = Saturday, 28 July

| home team = Essendon

| home Q1 = 2.4

| home Q2 = 6.9

| home Q3 = 7.13

| home final = 7.16

| home goals = Sebire 3, Tolmie, Turner, Meader, Fleming

| home best =

| home injuries =

| winner = H

| away team = British Isles

| away Q1 = 0.1

| away Q2 = 1.1

| away Q3 = 3.3

| away final = 3.5

| away goals = Stoddart 3

| away best =

| away injuries =

| venue = East Melbourne Cricket Ground

| crowd =

| report = Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196001762|title=England v. Essendon|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=30 Jul 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6896195|title=Football|newspaper=The Argus |location=Melbourne |date=30 Jul 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

| umpires =

| BOG award =

| BOG winner =

| notes =

}}

Prior to their return to Sydney, the tourists played a game under Rugby rules in Melbourne. The locals were members of the Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club. For final preparation and selection they had played a Probables versus Possibles match on the Saturday, 28 July.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196004156|title=Rugby Union|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=2 Aug 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Wednesday, 1 August

|time= 3:03pm

|home = Melbourne

|score = 3–9

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6896519|title=Football - Rugby Union Game - England v. Melbourne|newspaper=The Argus |location=Melbourne |date=2 Aug 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=8 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196004181|title=England v. Melbourne Rugby Union|newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=2 Aug 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=5 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= Wakeham

|con1= Scarborough

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Stoddart, Nolan, Williams

|con2= Stoddart 3

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = East Melbourne Cricket Ground

|attendance = 5,000-6,000

|referee = JST Hughes
Umpires: Dr. Willmott (M), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Saturday, 4 August

|time= 3:26pm

|home = New South Wales

|score = 2–16

|away = British Isles

|report= Reports
{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228412581|title=Football - England v. Combined Seniors|newspaper=The Australian Star |location=Sydney |date=6 Aug 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=7 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107329556|title=Football|newspaper=The Evening News (Sydney) |location=Sydney |date=6 Aug 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28344459|title=International Football Match|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney |date=6 Aug 1888 |access-date=3 Oct 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= E Cameron

|con1= Baylis 0/1

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Mathers 2, Eagles, Stoddart, Nolan

|con2= AE Stoddart 2/5

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Association Cricket Ground

|attendance = 5,000

|referee = A Hale
Umpires: P Allen (Sydney), Dr Smith (B)

}}

{{rugbybox

|date = Monday, 6 August

|time=

|home = Sydney Grammar School
(Past & Present)

|score = 2–2

|away = British Isles

|report= Report{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13692829|title=Football|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney |date=7 Aug 1888 |access-date=7 Oct 2024 |page=4 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228411874|title=Football - England v. Sydney Grammar School (Past and Present)|newspaper=The Australian Star |location=Sydney |date=7 Aug 1888 |access-date=7 Oct 2024 |page=7 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}

|try1= Fuller

|con1= Elphinstone 0/1

|pen1=

|drop1=

|gfm1=

|try2= Stoddart

|con2= Stoddart 0/1

|pen2=

|drop2=

|gfm2=

|stadium = Association Cricket Ground

|attendance =

|referee = JAK Shaw
Umpires: Allen (SGS), Dr. J Smith (B)

}}

• {{cite book |last=Godwin |first=Terry |author2=Rhys, Chris |title=The Guinness Book of Rugby Facts & Feats |year=1981 |publisher=Guinness Superlatives Ltd. |location=London |isbn=0-85112-214-0}}
• {{cite book |last=Griffiths |first=John|title=British Lions |year=1990 |publisher=Crowood Press |location=Swindon |isbn=1-85223-541-1}}
• {{cite book |last=Griffiths |first=John|title=The Phoenix Book of International Rugby Records |year=1987 |publisher=Phoenix House |location=London |isbn=0-460-07003-7}}
• {{cite book |last=Collins |first=Tony| title= "Why The "First Lions" Weren't The First (And Weren't Even Lions)" in 'Who Framed William Webb Ellis?' |year=2022 |publisher=Scratching Shed |location=Leeds |isbn=978-1739247607}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{cite web |title=Scores from all Australian Rules matches played on this tour (refer to the 1888 tab) |url=https://www.hardballget.net/rep-matches-1880s.html |website=HardBallGet.net}}
• {{World Rugby Hall of Fame|706515|1888 British Touring Team}}

{{British and Irish Lions tours}}

{{Rugby Union Tours in New Zealand}}

{{Rugby Union Tours in Australia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:British Lions Tour To New Zealand And Australia}}

Category:1888 rugby union tours

Category:1888 in Australian rugby union

Category:1888 in New Zealand rugby union

1888

1888

1888