The British and Irish Lions‘ Greatest Icons Ranked
Few sporting traditions carry the weight, history, and reverence of a British and Irish Lions tour. Over the decades, this unique rugby union team, made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, has forged iconic moments and produced unforgettable legends. From brutal forwards to mercurial backs, and from touchline generals to sideline masterminds, the Lions are as much about spirit and history as they are about results.
In a new BBC Sounds podcast, former Lions Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts, along with rugby correspondent Chris Jones, dug deep into the Lions archives to rank the top 10 icons to ever don the famous red jersey. Here’s a look at their definitive list—and the stories that make each name legendary.
10. Warren Gatland – The Mastermind of the Modern Era
Though he never played for the Lions, Warren Gatland’s legacy as head coach is unparalleled. He was assistant on the 2009 tour and took the reins for the 2013, 2017, and 2021 tours.
Dawson says: “His input was more significant than people realise. Gatland brought back the spirit and ethos of the Lions.”
Roberts adds: “Four tours, three as head coach. One series win, one draw, one loss—he stands alone in the modern era.”
Gatland didn’t just coach teams—he shaped generations of Lions.
9. Sam Warburton – The Modern Captain Marvel
Sam Warburton remains only the second man to captain the Lions twice, following Martin Johnson. He led in 2013 and 2017, winning one and drawing the other.
Roberts: “Captain of the only series win this century. He embodies what the Lions are about.”
Dawson: “The way he played, led, and spoke about the Lions—he lived and breathed it.”
Warburton also showed composure in 2017 when he helped reverse a controversial penalty decision in the dying minutes against New Zealand.
8. Jeremy Guscott – The Drop-Goal Hero
Jeremy Guscott stepped into the Lions jersey in 1989 with just one England cap. He went on to star in Test victories and delivered one of the most iconic moments in Lions history with his series-winning drop goal in 1997.
Dawson: “Key moments. That drop-goal in ’97 is burned into rugby folklore.”
Roberts: “He’s a pure Lions legend.”
Guscott was a flair player, yet clinical when it counted most.
7. Barry John – The King of 1971
Nicknamed “The King” for his mesmerising play on the 1971 tour to New Zealand, Barry John scored 30 of the Lions’ 48 points across four Tests.
Roberts: “Try trumping that nickname. He defined a generation of Welsh fly-halves.”
That series remains the only time the Lions have won a Test series in New Zealand.
6. JPR Williams – Fearless and Uncompromising
With eight Test caps across the legendary 1971 and 1974 tours, JPR Williams was the beating heart of the Lions backline. His long-range drop goal in the fourth Test against the All Blacks helped seal history.
Dawson: “He was why my dad gave me two middle names. He was that influential.”
Roberts: “Fearless, brutal, iconic—JPR was known worldwide.”
5. Martin Johnson – The General
Martin Johnson made history as the first man to captain the Lions twice. He led the 1997 side to victory in South Africa and returned in 2001.
Dawson: “No one dared challenge him. A fearsome leader with unmatched authority.”
Roberts: “As a fan, I was in awe of his performances.”
He personified the grit and steel of Lions leadership.
4. Alun Wyn Jones – The Endurance King
Four tours, 12 Test matches, and a record-breaking international career. Alun Wyn Jones may have just one series win, but his consistency and longevity are unmatched.
Dawson: “In the modern game, 12 Tests is almost unthinkable.”
Roberts: “Maybe lacking multiple wins, but you can’t ignore his influence.”
Jones is rugby’s ultimate warrior.
3. Willie John McBride – The Man Who Led the Invincibles
Willie John McBride‘s record of 17 Lions Test caps and five tours stands alone. He captained the 1974 side that went unbeaten in 22 matches in South Africa—the legendary Invincibles.
Dawson: “You can’t talk Lions without mentioning Willie John.”
He remains the soul of traditional Lions rugby.
2. Sir Gareth Edwards – The Complete Scrum-Half
Sir Gareth Edwards toured three times between 1968 and 1974, playing all four Tests in the Lions’ only ever series win in New Zealand and again in South Africa.
Roberts: “One of the greatest rugby players of all time.”
Elegant yet fierce, Edwards set the standard for Lions scrum-halves.
1. Sir Ian McGeechan – The Godfather of the Lions
As a player and coach, Sir Ian McGeechan is simply unmatched. He was part of the 1974 ‘Invincibles’ as a player, then coached on four separate tours, winning series in 1989 and 1997.
Jones: “He resurrected the Lions multiple times. He saved the brand.”
Dawson: “20 years of coaching across amateur and professional eras.”
Roberts: “Hard to argue. He is the Lions.”
McGeechan’s influence has defined the modern identity of the Lions—both on the pitch and in the hearts of fans.
Who’s Your Number One?
This ranking is sure to spark debate, especially with Brian O’Driscoll just missing the cut. But that’s the beauty of the Lions—everyone has their icon. Whether it’s the drop-goal drama of Guscott, the granite leadership of Johnson, or the visionary coaching of McGeechan, these legends have etched their names into rugby history.
So, who’s your ultimate Lions icon?
