The Singing Lions- The 1950 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia
 This 'digital book' recalls the 1950 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia. It captures the essence of this tour when players played for the love of the game and made friendships and gathered memories that have lasted a lifetime.
The 1950 Lions were the first British Isles tour to New Zealand for 20 years, the first Tour after the Second World War, the first to wear the familiar Lions red jerseys and the first to be popularly known as the Lions. Like the 2005 tour they were captained by an Irishman (Karl Mullen), Wales had just won a Grand Slam and the arrival of this tour created huge excitement amongst rugby supporters throughout New Zealand. Their welcome was overwhelming wherever the Lions went. They are known as the ‘Singing Lions’; for, everywhere they went - schools, businesses, and the Governor General’s residence - they were asked to sing. This stemmed from the squad's fondness for a tune. After all, there were 13 Welshman in the party of 31 and somehow they had to pass the time on the long journeys by coach and train between matches. Whilst in Australia, the Lions recorded 18 songs in the ABC studios in Sydney, including Welsh favourites such as Sospan Fach and Cwm Rhondda [Bread of Heaven] and others from around the Home Nations such as Sussex By The Sea, Scotland The Brave and When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.
 On the pitch, their back play entertained the crowds and bedazzled the opposition. In the tour party were some of the greatest backs ever to play rugby such as Jack Kyle, Ken Jones, Bleddyn Williams and Lewis Jones. Even today, Ken Jones’ try in the 4th Test is remembered as one of the greatest ever scored at Eden Park. The tradition was set for open, adventurous rugby that is the hallmark of the Lions.
However, up front the forwards were to find their opposition in Otago and the All Blacks a much tougher prospect. As a result none of the tests in New Zealand were won but all were close run things. Indeed, the All Blacks considered themselves lucky to draw the 1st Test. In Australia, the Lions found things much easier, winning the two Tests comfortably.
’The Singing Lions’ is a two disc boxed set comprising a DVD and a CDROM. The DVD gives you the chance to enjoy the experience of the 1950 Lions tour through an eighty minute film that includes archive footage, some of it not previously seen, the memories of those that took part and the songs they sang. With player profiles, match reports, tour statistics, memorabilia, music and further film clips, the CDROM is fully interactive, allowing users to easily move around, find what interests them and quickly link to related topics.
The profits from the sales of “The Singing Lions” will go to three rugby charities: The Lions Trust, The Wooden Spoon Society and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation. It costs £20. Copies can be purchased by contacting Graeme Roberts tel: +44 (0) 7949082256 or +44 (0) 1420 473903 or emailing: graeme.roberts1@virgin.net
There is little recorded anywhere about this tour – this package is a “must see” for any rugby enthusiast world wide – a unique insight into how rugby was played over half a century ago.
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