5 Players You Forgot Represented the British & Irish Lions

With the touring squad formed from a blend of four of the world's top rugby nations, the standard is always world-class. Over the years, 883 players have donned the iconic red jersey. Some starred on the biggest stages; others had fleeting moments of glory or were drafted in through injury or circumstance.

Here are five players you may have forgotten ever featured for the Lions—whether in a midweek match or simply as part of the wider squad.

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In 2013, Christian Wade’s electric form earned him a surprise call-up to the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia—a defining moment in his career. At the time, he had just made his full England debut against Argentina and was preparing for the second Test when he was drafted into the Lions squad.

Wade made his Lions debut in a midweek clash against the ACT Brumbies, just days after earning his first England cap. Though he didn’t feature in a Test, being selected at just 22 was a huge honour and a testament to his blistering pace and try-scoring instinct.

Since then, Wade has taken his talents to the Premiership, the NFL, and is now set to join Wigan Warriors in the Super League. A true cross-code star, he’s among the most versatile rugby athletes of his generation.

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Kristian Dacey was a surprise call-up to the 2017 Lions squad during their tour of New Zealand—a massive moment in the Welsh hooker’s career.

Impressing for Wales on their summer tour of the Pacific Islands, the Cardiff Rugby stalwart was brought in by Warren Gatland as injury cover. While he didn’t take to the field during the tour, his selection underlined the strong form he was in at the time.

Dacey would go on to earn just eight caps for Wales but remained a loyal and consistent performer at club level. Now retired, he joins the exclusive list of players who can call themselves British & Irish Lions.

Tom Court’s Lions call-up in 2013 came in unusual circumstances, but it remains a memorable moment for many fans.

Fresh off Ireland’s summer tour to North America, the Ulster prop was in Brisbane visiting family when injuries disrupted the Lions' front-row options. With Mako Vunipola being rested and Alex Corbisiero nursing a calf strain, Warren Gatland turned to Court—already match-fit and conveniently nearby.

Court joined the squad in Melbourne and featured off the bench in a midweek fixture against the Rebels. Though not originally selected, his readiness and experience made him an ideal short-notice addition during a time of need.

Of the players on this list, Billy Twelvetrees might be the most familiar to fans—especially those who followed the Premiership closely during the 2010s.

The Gloucester centre was called up to the 2013 tour as injury cover, making appearances against the Brumbies and the Melbourne Rebels. His Lions involvement coincided with his international peak; Twelvetrees earned 22 England caps between 2013 and 2015.

Though he captained Gloucester to a Challenge Cup triumph in 2015, he was overlooked for England's World Cup squad that year and didn’t feature for the national side again. A reliable and classy player at club level, his international career never quite hit the heights many expected.

This one's a technicality—but a noteworthy one. Dylan Hartley was selected for the 2013 Lions tour but never travelled due to an 11-week ban, meaning many fans forget he was ever picked.

The ban followed a red card in the Premiership final, where Hartley infamously called referee Wayne Barnes a "cheat." As a result, his Lions dream was dashed before it could begin.

Despite this, Hartley remains one of the most capped England players of all time, with 97 international appearances and over 250 games for Northampton Saints. While he never played a Lions Test—or even trained on tour—he was on the cusp in 2013 and deserves mention among Lions selectees.