Rugby Fans Vote for the Greatest British & Irish Lions XV of All Time

Friday, 11 July 2025 at 07:32

byRugby Rucker

Fans have officially selected their greatest British & Irish Lions XV, choosing legends from across the home nations who have left an indelible mark on Lions history.

From Gareth Edwards to Brian O’Driscoll, Barry John to Martin Johnson, the team is packed with iconic names from some of the most memorable Lions tours ever.

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Who Made the Greatest British & Irish Lions XV?

Over 207,000 votes were counted following a public poll based on a shortlist curated by a panel of rugby experts. Here's the fan-selected all-time Lions team by position, including percentage of the vote and key highlights from each player's legendary career.

? Fullback: JPR Williams (Wales) – 72%

Runner-up: Gavin Hastings (Scotland) – 10%
Also in contention: Jason Robinson (England) – 10%

JPR Williams was instrumental in the 1971 and 1974 tours, boasting a remarkable record of five Test wins, two draws, and just one loss. His fearless playing style and consistency at the back earned him legendary status.

? Winger: Gerald Davies (Wales) – 21%

Runner-up: JJ Williams (Wales) – 19%

Part of the iconic Welsh contingent of the 1968 and 1971 Lions squads, Davies later returned to serve as tour manager in 2009. A pacey and intelligent winger who was vital during the Lions' successful tours.

? Winger: Jason Robinson (England) – 22%

Runner-up: Tony O'Reilly (Ireland) – 9%

Known for his dazzling footwork and explosive speed, Robinson made an immediate impact during the 2001 tour to Australia, scoring a stunning solo try in the first Test against the Wallabies.

?️ Outside Centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – 43%

Runner-up: Will Greenwood (England) – 4%

Arguably Ireland’s greatest-ever player, O'Driscoll toured four times (2001–2013) and captained the Lions in 2005. His attacking flair was pivotal in the 2001 series win in Australia.

?️ Inside Centre: Jeremy Guscott (England) – 20%

Runner-up: Mike Gibson (Ireland) – 15%

Dubbed "The Prince of Centres," Guscott's crowning moment came in 1997 when he kicked the series-winning drop goal against South Africa in the second Test.

? Fly-half: Barry John (Wales) – 51%

Runner-up: Phil Bennett (Wales) – 21%

Known simply as "The King," Barry John delivered a masterclass in the 1971 tour to New Zealand, scoring 30 of the Lions’ 48 points in the series win over the All Blacks.

? Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales) – 85%

Runner-up: Matt Dawson (England) – 9%

A driving force behind the only Lions series win in New Zealand in 1971, Edwards’ relentless work rate helped power the Lions to glory again in 1974.

? Loosehead Prop: Jason Leonard (England) – 21%

Runner-up: Gethin Jenkins (Wales) – 6%

The “Fun Bus” went on three Lions tours and brought immense experience and versatility to the front row.

? Hooker: Keith Wood (Ireland) – 51%

Runner-up: Brian Moore (England) – 16%

“Woody” was a standout performer on the 1997 tour to South Africa, winning Man of the Match in the second Test. He also became the first-ever IRB World Player of the Year.

? Tighthead Prop: Fran Cotton (England) – 24%

Runner-up: Graham Price (Wales) – 7%

Cotton dominated scrums during the 1977 New Zealand tour and was also part of the famous 1974 Lions team in South Africa.

? Lock: Martin Johnson (England) – 40

Runner-up: Paul O'Connell (Ireland) – 9%

A commanding leader, Johnson captained the Lions in 1997 and 2001 and remains one of the most respected forwards in rugby history.

? Lock: Willie John McBride (Ireland) – 43%

Runner-up: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) – 3%

With 17 Test appearances across five tours, McBride was a colossus of Lions rugby. He captained the undefeated 1974 team and is often cited as the greatest lock ever produced by the British Isles.

? Blindside Flanker: Richard Hill (England) – 29%

Runner-up: Finlay Calder (Scotland) – 8%

A key figure in the 1997 and 2001 tours, Hill's reliability and decision-making at the breakdown were vital to the Lions' success.

? Openside Flanker: Sam Warburton (Wales) – 23%

Runner-up: Fergus Slattery (Ireland) – 18%

Warburton captained the Lions in both 2013 and 2017, leading them to a historic drawn series against the All Blacks. His leadership and breakdown dominance made him an obvious pick.

? Number 8: Mervyn Davies (Wales) – 43%

Runner-up: Lawrence Dallaglio (England) – 23%

“Merv the Swerve” stood out with his white headband and controlled performances. He was a key cog in the victorious 1971 and 1974 Lions sides.