Although a private venture not organised by any official body, this was the first major tour of the Southern Hemisphere undertaken by a European rugby team.

Worse was to occur when team captain Seddon, drowned on 15 August[6] in an accident while sculling on the Hunter River[7] in West Maitland.

The captaincy was then passed to Andrew Stoddart a future England rugby captain and Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

A further economic issue that related to the tour was the burgeoning professional movement that was gathering momentum in England at the time.

The growing popularity of the now professional Association Football was causing many, especially in the North of England, to challenge the amateur standing of the union code.

The other players on the tour were then required to sign an affidavit to state they were not to be paid for playing rugby when in Australia and New Zealand.

[20] British Isles: Fullback: AG Paul; Three-quarter backs: JT Haslam, HC Speakman, H Brooks; Half-backs: J Anderton, J Nolan; Forwards: RL Seddon, H Eagles, W Burnet*, AP Penketh, C Mathers, WH Thomas, R Burnet, S Williams, AJ Laing.

British Isles side announce prior to the matches against NSW and Juniors: Fullback: A Paul; Three-quarter backs: JT Haslam, AE Stoddart, W Burnet; Half-backs: W Bumby, J Anderton; Forwards: RL Seddon, C Mathers, H Eagles, A Penketh, R Burnet, T Kent, AJ Stuart, S Williams, WH Thomas.

A goal given to the British was allowed to stand, after some discussion, despite the contention that it had been inadvertently kicked through the goalposts by a Sandhurst player.