British and Irish Lions are selected from England , Scotland , Wales and Ireland . The Lions enjoyed their most successful period in the early 1970s with the 1971 team -- inspired by the Welsh half-back pairing of Gareth Edwards and Barry John -- triumphing against the All Blacks in New Zealand . Tours now take place every four years to Australia , South Africa and New Zealand . The tour of the United States is a major event in rugby union history as it was played at Soldier Field on September 26, 2010 between the All Blacks and USA Eagles.
British and Irish Lions are selected from England , Scotland , Wales and Ireland . Tours now take place every four years to Australia , South Africa and New Zealand . The tour of the United States is a major event in rugby union history as it was played at Soldier Field on September 26, 2010 between the All Blacks and USA Eagles.