Quote: RLRealist "It has to be Great Britain only and leave Ireland out of it. That way GB could become as Team GB is at the Olympics - it would be the team that represents the UK. It would be our national team, so we can use the UK flag, play God Save the Queen, and not have to worry about the sensitivities that come with including Ireland in the team.
People from Northern Ireland could do as they do with the Olympics, and decide whether to support or play for either Great Britain or Ireland. Their choice.
Secondly, I'd also play as GB at the World Cup to keep things consistent.
It's not helpful to Scotland or Ireland if they remain standalone with the fact that there is no domestic comp in either places, perhaps Ireland more so and certainly no interest! Wales has some structure and can get a decent crowd for matches played in the Principality. Wales being the 'original' British anyway is quite relevant!
Why has there never been a professional game between Scotland and England played in the past 30 years in Scotland? They have enough stadiums. Because nobody is interested. Same with Ireland to a lesser extent.
Great Britain covers all that and still represents a UNITED nation where people from either Celtic, Norman, Norse or Anglo ancestry can UNITE as one just as other nations do! No British, and especially English citizen can claim to be 100% pure Anglo-Saxon!! Impossible!'"
It's an either or for me on the countries.
If you call it the Lions Tour like in RU you can include Ireland.
If its Great Britain..... Its Great Britain.... Which doesn't include Ireland.
I agree though. GB for me.
On the World Cup its England for me.
I think it does benefit the other nations and it also makes the tour unique and special.