Formed in 1888, the British & Irish Lions are a composite rugby union side that assembles the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a prestige tour every four years—traditionally to Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
Pulling on the famous red jersey is considered one of the game’s highest honours, so any attempt to rank “the worst” Lions understandably ruffles feathers.
That backlash greeted Pundit Arena’s 2022 rundown of the five poorest Lions performers. Many supporters felt the very idea disrespected players who, despite injuries, limited minutes or simply bad luck, still earned selection to rugby’s most exclusive squad.
Nevertheless, the article pressed on. Two England representatives feature prominently, and the No. 1 spot—according to the authors—remains virtually uncontested. Some names may strike you as harshly judged victims of circumstance; others, critics argue, perhaps should never have made the touring party at all.
Read on to see who made Pundit Arena’s divisive list of the least impressive Lions.
Pundit Arena's WORST LIONS PLAYERS:
5 - Stuart Hogg
PA: " 2013 and 2017 went badly for the Scot. The Lions stuck by Hogg for the second Test in 2021 but was shaky under the high-ball and had no chance to shine in attack ."
RUCK: Just doesn't seem to work out for Hoggy in the Lions with the harder he tries the tougher it gets
VERDICT: Justified
4 - Andy Titterrell
PA: "Choosing to select an enormous 44-man squad, Clive Woodward made several left field selections. None more so than a Sale Sharks hooker with only two caps for England. His technical and physical skills were not good enough for the Lions."
RUCK: He shouldn't have been near that squad
VERDICT: Justified
3 - Tom Court
"Whilst not selected for the Test team, the London Irish man must be considered one of the strangest call-ups in Lions history, joining the squad while on holiday with his family in 2013. He made no real impact to the trip but held up the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels."
2 - Billy Twelvetrees
PA: "Another bizarre call-up on the 2013 tour, the inside centre was brought in due to the glut of injuries sustained in the midfield. Now stranded in the international wilderness, one must assume he was fetched due to the convenience of him playing for England in Argentina."
RUCK: It may be easy to forget, but Twelvetrees was one of the most exciting talents in Europe when he was called up. He'd impressed for England in his four caps, and looked set for a bright international future. This pick feels more deemed on the use of hindsight.
VERDICT: Bit harsh
1 - Stuart Barnes
"First capped in 1984, he only represented England ten times, frequently criticised for his inability to convert his magnificent form for Bath onto the international stage.
"Ultimately after a torrid tour, losing six of 13 matches played, Barnes served as a perfect microcosm for its inadequate results in 1993, just not good enough."
RUCK: I wasn't born
Verdict: Up to you
EDITORS PICKS:
- “Phonecall” – England made shock approach to make Louis Rees-Zammit swap nations
- “Not retired” – Steve Borthwick confirms Owen Farrell England return
- Over 25,000 fans sign Petition to Rename Murrayfield Stand After Doddie Weir
- Owen Farrell out as Sky Sports’ Lions Tour pundit after just one game
- Erasmus reveals Ntlabakanye’s dedication ahead of first Springbok start
Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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