The British and Irish Lions is the national rugby team representing the nations of the British Isles. Players are selected from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with the Irish players selected from Ireland as a whole. They tour the traditional rugby nations of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa every four years, but they also occasionally play against other rugby nations like Argentina and Japan.
The Lions Tours are huge sporting and cultural events amongst the rugby nations, and it’s an immense honour to win the tour. If there’s one thing that is certain when it comes to any iconic sports team, it’s the fact that the team’s captain is going to be a major part of the legacy of the team. It’s a fact that is all too easily forgotten as a new player replaces the captain, but it is a fact that a great captain should never be forgotten. Captains of the Lions are as unique as their teams, and this is reflected in the many different personalities that have held the role over the years. Here are some of the most iconic:
Willie John McBride
As a formidable rugby captain, Willie John McBride is widely considered the greatest Lions captain. He famously led the Lions to win in South Africa in 1974, where the team played 22 matches, winning a stunning 21 of them. It was a ferocious tour, with McBride displaying all of his captaining skills for everyone to see. He was known for his passion for the game, and he spearheaded the career of many other now-famous players. To this day, it could be said that nobody has done more for Irish rugby than McBride, showing just how incredible he was.
Martin Johnson
Martin Johnson is considered a legend in the world of rugby. He was the first player to captain the Lions on two separate occasions and led the team to victory against the Springboks in 1997. Despite his commanding presence on the field, he’s loved by Lions fans for his likeable personality and strong leadership. The 1997 tour is said to have made him as a player to be reckoned with, providing a catalyst for his years of dominance playing for the Lions, England and Leicester. Current Lions coach Warren Gatland has said Johnson is the most competitive player he has come across, showing just how far he’ll go to win.
Sam Warburton
When it comes to being captain of the Lions, it helps to be good at playing in your own position. Sam Warburton was not only considered a good openside flanker – he was considered the best in the world. Captaining the Lions in Australia in 2013, he led the team to victory against the Wallabies for the first time since 1989 by using his magnificent communication skills. Not only was Warburton brilliant at communicating with his teammates, but he also had the uncommon ability to communicate perfectly with match officials. He led by example, which earned him the captain of the 2017 tour in New Zealand. Whilst the tour ended in a draw, the result was considered a thumping victory for the Lions due to the brutal reputation of the All Blacks.
Honourable Mention – Mervyn Davies
Mervyn Davies, also known as Merv the Swerve for his incredible ability to dodge a tackle, was Wales’ captain for the 1975 Five Nations when Wales won the championship. He then went on to win the Grand Slam for Wales in 1976, which showed his amazing capabilities as captain. He was expected to captain the Lions for the 1977 tour, but his rugby career was ended suddenly after a brain haemorrhage he sustained during a match against Pontypool, hospitalising him for several months. Had Davies not been injured, it’s widely believed he would have led the Lions to a glorious victory, so whilst this never came to be, he deserves to be on this list as a true icon of British rugby.