Ranking the Greatest British & Irish Lions Rugby Team

June 23, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Since rugby turned professional in 1995, the British & Irish Lions have featured some of the most iconic players in the sport's history. Drawing from the seven tours since then, this lineup celebrates the finest XV and eight replacements to wear the red jersey in the modern era.

Fullback – Leigh Halfpenny

Halfpenny’s flawless kicking and nerves of steel defined the 2013 tour, where he earned Player of the Series honors. His record-breaking 49 points against Australia made him a Lions legend.

Right Wing – George North

North exploded onto the scene in 2013 at just 21, scoring one of the greatest solo tries in Lions history. His power and flair lit up the series and secured his legacy.

Outside Centre – Brian O’Driscoll

A four-time tourist, O’Driscoll combined grace and grit like few others. His 50-meter wonder try in 2001 remains a Lions classic, and he ended his career with a long-awaited Test series win in 2013.

Inside Centre – Jeremy Guscott

Known as “The Prince of Centres,” Guscott’s drop goal clinched the 1997 series. His fluid running and quiet confidence made him one of the classiest backs of his generation.

Left Wing – Jason Robinson

Robinson brought pure electricity to the Lions in 2001, scoring within minutes of his Test debut. The former rugby league star dazzled defenders with his trademark sidestep.

Fly-half – Johnny Sexton

Sexton’s leadership and attacking precision were vital in 2013 and 2017. A master of the loop play, he delivered under pressure and helped tame the All Blacks in Wellington.

Scrum-half – Mike Phillips

Powerful and fearless, Phillips dominated in 2009 with a try in the first Test and relentless physicality. He set the tone for the backline and held his own against world-class opponents.

Loosehead Prop – Tom Smith

Small in stature but massive in impact, Smith neutralized heavyweight scrums with skill and intelligence. He started six consecutive Tests, an unmatched run in the modern Lions era.

Hooker – Keith Wood

Wood redefined the hooker role with his mobility, work rate, and leadership. A key figure in 1997 and 2001, he was named World Rugby Player of the Year after the latter tour.

Tighthead Prop – Adam Jones

Jones steadied the Lions’ scrum in 2009 and starred again in 2013. His battle with “The Beast” Mtawarira in South Africa showed just how dominant he had become.

Lock – Martin Johnson

The only man to captain two Lions tours, Johnson embodied physical leadership and tactical brilliance. A towering presence, he was instrumental in the famous 1997 series win.

Lock – Alun Wyn Jones

With four Lions tours and more Test appearances than any modern player, Jones defined consistency and passion. He even stepped in as captain for the decisive 2013 Test victory.

Blindside Flanker – Richard Hill

Hill was the glue of the back row—silent, dependable, and devastatingly effective. Coaches revered his work rate, and opponents felt his impact every time he took the field.

Openside Flanker – Sam Warburton

Warburton captained the Lions to glory in 2013 and a draw in New Zealand in 2017. His breakdown dominance and quiet authority earned him universal respect.

Number 8 – Taulupe Faletau

Reliable, calm, and endlessly classy, Faletau was a standout in 2017 and returned again in 2021. He raised his game on the biggest stage, always delivering when it mattered most.

Reserve Hooker – Jamie George

George started all three Tests in 2017 and returned in 2021. With precision throwing and strong set-piece play, he proved a modern hooker with real impact.

Reserve Loosehead Prop – Mako Vunipola

With 20 Lions matches and nine Test caps, Vunipola was ever-present from 2013 to 2021. His scrummaging strength and dynamic play around the park made him indispensable.

Reserve Tighthead Prop – Tadhg Furlong

Furlong was a rock in the scrum and a creative force in open play. He started all six Tests across 2017 and 2021, showcasing world-class skills at tighthead.

Reserve Lock – Paul O’Connell

O’Connell captained in 2009 and was revered for his intensity and leadership. Even with a fractured arm, he played through pain to inspire his teammates.

Reserve Back Row – Lawrence Dallaglio

A warrior with presence and charisma, Dallaglio was key in the 1997 series win. Though injuries limited his later tours, his contribution was unforgettable.

Reserve Scrum-half – Matt Dawson

Dawson’s famous dummy in 1997 helped secure a series-defining try. He played in three tours and brought flair, experience, and a competitive edge to the squad.

Reserve Fly-half/Centre – Owen Farrell

Farrell’s goalkicking in 2017 was clutch under pressure, earning him vital Test caps. Though less prominent in 2021, his experience kept him in the Lions conversation.

Reserve Back Three – Liam Williams

Williams sparked the length-of-the-field try in Auckland that became Lions folklore. His blend of adventure and grit made him a fan favorite on two tours.