The five best players who somehow haven’t won a Lions test cap
British and Irish LionsSunday, 08 November 2020 at 12:50
Despite some of these international star players receiving call-ups for the Lions - some twice - they never appeared in a test match for the famous touring side.
1. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Despite being called-up by Warren Gatland for the last two tours, the current Scotland captain is yet to win a test cap.
In 2013, Hogg was the youngest player in Australia while his tour of New Zealand four years later his tour was ended prematurely by a stray elbow from teammate Conor Murray. The 28-year-old will hope to put this right in 2021.
DId you know? is father, John, played as a championship winning full-back for Hawick before becoming a rugby referee and his brother, Graham, played for Scotland 7s in the IRB Sevens World Series as well as representing Scotland at three different age grades.
2. Luke Charteris (Wales)
This 6ft. 10-inches beanpole was a stalwart for Wales, winning his first cap in 2004 and the last of 74 caps in 2017.
His lineout ability and work rate in the tackle would’ve been key skills for the Lions to call on and his best chance to tour came in 2013’s tour to Australia, with Gatland opting for fellow Welshman Ian Evans instead.
Did younow? Charteris’ 31 tackles in a match against Ireland in 2015 remains a Six Nations record
3. Mike Tindall (England)
Arguably one of England's most consistent performers of his era, Tindall was a key member of the side that captured the Rugby World Cup crown in 2003.
But during his career, which was at times a stop-start affair because of injury, he was never able to go on tour with the Lions.
Did you know? Tindall was named a replacement for the Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions as part of their 2013 tour to Australia.
4. Peter Stringer (Ireland)
Making his debut in 2000, Stringer went on to become an Ireland fan favourite, winning 98 caps in the process. He quickly became renowned for his ability to take down larger players, especially with one handed "Ankle taps", and game changing moments.
He played at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cup's and was a key figure in the sides that won the Six Nations Triple Crown in 2004, 2006, and 2007.
Did you know? His only try for Newcastle, which came in his last game for the club, helped them to a 14-10 victory in their relegation decider against London Wasps.
5. Ben Cohen (England)
Injuries and bad timing meant the speedster never managed to win a Test cap for the British & Irish Lions. Cohen was a member of the England national team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, scoring 31 tries in his 57 caps between 2000 and 2006.
In June 2001, he did join the Lions tour to Australia, and although he did not figure in the Tests series he did score twice in the midweek match against New South Wales Country Cockatoos at Coffs Harbour.
Did you know? He is clinically deaf, with about 30 to 33 percent hearing loss in each ear, and has been involved in efforts to make rugby more accessible to the hard of hearing, especially young deaf players.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading