British and Irish Lions: Top five points scorers of all time
Established in 1888, the British and Irish Lions' tours to the Southern Hemisphere have become legendary, with the team facing off against some of the world's most formidable opponents, including New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
Over the years, many iconic players have donned the Lions jersey, contributing to the team's rich history of success and memorable moments.
Among these players, a select few have left their mark by becoming the highest points scorers in Lions history.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Elliott looks at the top five points scorers in tour history, not only from Tests but from tours in general.
Andy Irvine - 281
Scotland fullback Irvine went on three tours with the Lions and scored 281 points, the most of anyone in history.
Between 1974-1980, the former Edinburgh man travelled to South Africa twice and New Zealand with the squad and was involved in one of the all-time great games with the Springboks in the 'Battle of Boet Erasmus’.
Irvine cited that game as the best that he played in on tour, with it winning the 1974 series 3-0.
The 1974 group of players won 21 of their 22 games, drawing one, which still leaves future generations with the ability to make history and win every single game.
A chairman and tour manager for the 2009 and 2013 tours, Irvine will go down in history as a legend of the Lions.
READ MORE: British and Irish Lions news: A look at the last three tours to Australia
Phil Bennett - 236
Wales and Llanelli’s legendary fly-half Phil Bennett is second on this list, with 236 points across a couple of tours in 1974 and 1977.
Also involved in the same one in South Africa as Irvine, where they went unbeaten, the fleet-footed fly-half was also a great for his club side, with whom he scored over 2500 points.
A captain for the tour of ‘77, he was a true leader. His pre-match speech before Wales faced England will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time.
Inducted into the Wales Hall of Fame, Bennett will forever be remembered for being an outstanding player in the golden age of the Lions.
Bob Hiller - 214
Although he played no international matches for the Lions, Hiller was involved in two tours and is the third-highest scorer of all time for the side.
The Harlequins fullback was there for the 1968 tour of South Africa and the 1971 tour of New Zealand, with most of his 214 points coming from his majestic boot.
At the time of retirement, he was also England’s top points scorer, but that has since been broken.
A man of many talents, having also played first-class cricket for Oxford University, Hiller was a great talent in the late 60s and 70s.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Chinese GP: Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari pole highlights a resurgent weekend in Shanghai
Gavin Hastings - 192
Another Scotland fullback makes this list, this time being the elder of the Hastings brothers, Gavin.
Having played slightly later than the other names on this list, the former London Scottish man might be more well-known to fans than the rest.
He played in the 1986 match against ‘the Rest’, which replaced the tour of that year due to political unrest in South Africa.
Fortunately, he was able to tour and play in the subsequent two trips to Australia and New Zealand.
In 1993, he captained the Lions in their 2-1 defeat to the All Blacks, in which he played with brother Scott.
Barry John - 188
John’s nickname as ‘the king of fly-halves' says all that you need to know about how well-regarded the Wales international still is within rugby circles.
Formerly of Llanelli and Cardiff, his ‘King’ title came courtesy of the 1971 tour to New Zealand and Australia.
His campaign with Wales in the same year, during which he won the Grand Slam and defeated the All Blacks.
A fly-half, his partnership with Sir Gareth Edwards was arguably the finest half-back pairing seen in rugby history.
Welsh Rugby Union’s president Terry Cobner said after his passing:
“To be crowned ‘The King’ in New Zealand when every back row forward in both the North and South Islands is trying to take your head off is quite some accolade.
“For me, he has got to be right up there among the greatest outside halves who have ever played the game - probably the greatest. “
A fitting tribute to a great player.
