It took more than 150 hours to make the trophy, which was handcrafted by Thomas Lyte – official silverware supplier to the British & Irish Lions – and stands 60cm tall weighing 6.5kg.

The main body of the trophy was handspun from a single sheet of sterling silver, while the base is handmade from sapele hardwood.

The trophy will be presented to the series winners and go into a trophy cabinet in either the northern or southern hemisphere, before reappearing in 2025 when the British & Irish Lions continue their storied history with a series in Australia.

Lions coach Warren Gatland is scheduled to announce his 36-man squad for the tour on Thursday, 6 May (12:45pm SA time).

Photo: Supplied