The Lions Trust exists to connect with, nurture and support all Lions players in need whilst furthering the spirit, values and ethos of The British & Irish Lions throughout rugby clubs across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

A Lions Tour is a unique event, built on the foundations of respect, unity and generosity of spirit, therefore The Lions Trust is made up solely of trustees that have represented the Lions on Tour.  Gavin Hastings is the chairman of trustees, while Richard Hill, Jamie Roberts and Tommy Bowe are also members of the board.

The Trust’s purpose is to fulfil and further the values of the Lions through practical and direct means, which means contributing to the Lions responsibility to the past while also helping protect the future of rugby’s most special sporting and social entity.  A key priority is the welfare of Lions players who can’t access the necessary financial, medical and appropriate complementary support required to live in a dignified manner or maintain their personal wellbeing.

Who are the Trustees?

Gavin Hastings (Chairman) – The Scottish rugby legend played 61 times for his country, including 20 as captain, and is widely regarded as one of the best players his country has ever produced. The fullback made his Lions bow in 1986 against a Rest of the World XV, before playing in all three Tests on the 1989 Tour to Australia. He was then captain for the 1993 Tour to New Zealand.

Tommy Bowe (Trustee) – The Ireland winger played 10 times for the Lions and scored five tries across two tours. Bowe was first called up for the 2009 Tour of South Africa and played in all three Test matches of the closely-fought series. He was back on the plane four years later and featured in two Test matches as the Lions beat Australia 2-1.

Richard Hill (Trustee) – The flanker made 71 appearances for his country during an 11-year international career and was at the heart of England’s World Cup-winning side in 2003. He was a three-time Lions tourist, travelling to South Africa in 1997, Australia in 2001 and New Zealand in 2005, and earned five Test caps in the famous red jersey.

Jamie Roberts (Trustee) – The Welsh rugby legend was capped 94 times for his country and won two Grand Slams during his international career. Roberts first toured with the Lions in 2009 where he earned two Test caps. He was selected again in 2013 on the series victory Tour of Australia.

Find out more about our latest activities, including our charity partnerships and our capping initiative.