British & Irish Lions news: The top five Lions players of all time
Since their inception in 1888, the British & Irish Lions have gone down in rugby folklore, with every player to have ever donned the famous jersey being etched in the history books forever.
Yet, while all Lions players can be considered legends of the game in their own right, some will be remembered particularly fondly.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott takes a look at the top five Lions players of all time.
Martin Johnson
As both towering lock and inspirational captain, Johnson’s Lions legacy is unmatched, with his leadership and physicality leaving a lasting imprint on the team’s history.
Johnson first toured with the Lions in 1993 and captained the squad in 1997, leading them to a historic series win over South Africa.
His strategic acumen, aggressive playing style, and commanding presence on the field made him an irreplaceable leader.
A formidable force in the lineout and at the breakdown, Johnson was the cornerstone of the Lions’ pack, known for his ability to impose himself in the toughest of matches.
Throughout his Lions career, he was a symbol of determination and resilience, setting the standard for future captains.
Indeed, his performances – especially during the 1997 series – are still remembered as some of the finest in Lions history.
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Willie John McBride
McBride's Lions career spanned five tours between 1962 and 1974, but it was his leadership during the 1971 tour to New Zealand that cemented his place in rugby history.
The Lions achieved a historic series win over the All Blacks, a feat that had never been accomplished before and has never been equalled since.
Known for his toughness, McBride was a fearsome presence in the forward pack, particularly in the lineout and at the breakdown.
In terms of leadership, he was manager for the 1983 tour to New Zealand and later became iconic for one of the greatest motivational speeches ever seen in rugby during the 2001 edition.
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JPR Williams
JPR Williams is a name synonymous with the British & Irish Lions, renowned for his exceptional skills, versatility, and reliability in one of the best backlines in rugby history.
A cornerstone of the Lions' success in the 1970s, Williams was a key figure during the legendary 1971 tour to New Zealand, where the Lions achieved their first-ever series victory over the All Blacks.
His performances on that tour cemented his status as one of the greatest full-backs to ever play the game.
Known for his blistering pace, positional awareness, and exceptional tackling, Williams' ability to read the game was utterly invaluable to the Lions.
Solid defense and counter-attacking skills often turned defense into attack, providing crucial counters against the opposition.
As a key member of the Welsh ‘golden generation’ alongside other Lions legends like Gareth Edwards and Willie John McBride, Williams’ leadership and steady presence in the backline were integral to the success of the Lions' campaigns.
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Gareth Edwards
Edwards was a dynamic and influential scrum-half whose skill, vision, and leadership were pivotal to the team's success, particularly during the aforementioned 1971 tour to New Zealand.
He was central to that victory over the All Blacks, a triumph that remains one of the most significant achievements in rugby history.
His quick thinking, exceptional passing, and deft tactical kicking made him the perfect link between the forwards and backs, while his ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates set him apart as a true playmaker.
Edwards’ try in the 1972 Five Nations Championship against Scotland, widely regarded as one of the greatest in rugby history, further solidified his reputation as an attacking force.
Beyond his on-field brilliance, Edwards' leadership qualities were vital to the cohesion of the Lions squad, and his influence is still felt today.
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Barry John
John’s performances were instrumental in securing the first-ever series win over the All Blacks, a monumental achievement that elevated the Lions’ legacy to new heights.
His ability to dictate the tempo of a game, brilliant vision, and exceptional tactical kicking made him a standout player in the Lions backline.
Composure under pressure and a flair for creative attacking play were hallmarks of his style, and John’s skill set allowed him to orchestrate moves with precision, making him a key playmaker during the 1971 series.
The Welshman’s brilliance was not only seen with the Lions but also on the international stage with Wales, where his performances helped to define the ‘golden era’ of the team.
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