The Great Britain rugby league team generally known as the Lions - played their first ever match against New Zealand in 1908, when the side were still entitled the "Northern Union."

The name British Lions was not initially used until 1922 and it was a further 26 years before the title "Great Britain" was added to the touring party's official title.

Although the success of the Great Britain side has been eclipsed by that of Australia, who have won the World Cup nine times, the Lions can at least say they have won the competition on three occasions.

In 1954 they won the first ever World Cup, beating hosts France in the final, as well as also being successful in 1960 and 1972.

Former Huddersfield and St Helens legend Mick Sullivan is perhaps the most highly-regarded British Lion, holding both the record try tally at 41, as well as sharing the caps record with former Leeds ace Garry Schofield with 46 appearances.

Martin Offiah, Jonathan Davies, Bobbie Goulding and Mike Gregory are just four players who lit the GB side up in recent times, although sadly for fans of the concept, the Rugby Football League decided to ditch the venture in 2007 after the tour to New Zealand.

Players from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales now simply represent their own individual countries, although there are vague plans to re-introduce the concept at some stage.