British & Irish Lions Legends: The Greatest XV of the Professional Era
[prc-collections-carousel]
With the release of the 2025 British and Irish Lions kit just around the corner, the team at rugbystuff.com have put our heads together to come up with our greatest Lions XV of the professional era. This lineup not only highlights the skill and prowess of these legendary players but also serves as a reminder of the rich history that the Lions represent.
1. Tom Smith (Scotland)
Initially a surprise selection for the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa having only earned three caps for Scotland at the time, Smith certainly made his mark. He played in all Tests during the 1997 and 2001 tours, becoming the only Scottish player to appear in six consecutive Lions Tests. Smith was pivotal in the Lions' 1997 series victory over South Africa, his unique blend of scrummaging strength, and ball-handling skills key in the Lions achieving their first Test series win in South Africa since 1974.
2. Keith Wood (Ireland)
The legendary Irish hooker Keith Wood was an integral part of the 1997 and 2001 Lions tours. Wood was a dynamic player with a broad skill set. He was fast, powerful and wasn't shy to kick the ball to relieve pressure- a skill not usually part of a hooker's acumen! He was also a strong leader and captained the Lions in 2001 against Western Australia. Wood's ability to inspire his teammates and elevate the performance of the squad cannot be overstated and he is hence worthy of the hooker spot in our XV.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
A modern-day great, Tadhg Furlong has established himself as one of the premier props in the world since debuting for Ireland in 2015. A powerful scrummager with a dynamic skill set Furlong's contributions were particularly instrumental during the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand, where his performance helped secure a hard-fought draw. He also featured in the 2021 tour to South Africa and we expect him to be one of the first names on the team sheet for the 2025 tour.
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
With four tours under his belt, between 2009 and 2021, there was no way we could name this team without Alun Wyn Jones. Wyn Jones is the most capped man in world rugby and the third highest capped Lion with 12 Tests to his name. He was a strong and physical second rower with a big engine and his presence in the pack was vital for both Lions in all four of the tours he played in. Jones was also an excellent leader captaining the Lions in four Tests.
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Another titan in the second row, Paul O'Connell toured with the Lions in 2005, 2009 and 2013, captaining the 2009 team that went oh-so-close to achieving a series victory in South Africa. O'Connell was tough, and there is no better example of this than him playing through the first Test of the 2013 Australian series with a fractured arm. He was a commanding presence in the lineout, a fierce tackler and inspirational leader which made him a fan favourite and a worthy member of our greatest pro-era XV.
6. Sam Warburton (Wales)
An inspirational leader, Wales' Sam Warburton captained the Lions to two historic results: A series win in 2013 over Australia and a hard fought series draw with New Zealand in 2017. Warburton led from the front. He is most remembered for his exceptional work at the breakdown and bone-crunching defence. He was a versatile and dynamic flanker, with a relentless work rate, the cornerstone of those 2013 and 2017 teams.
7. Sean O'Brien (Ireland)
Who could forget Sean O'Brien's try in the first Test against the All Blacks in 2017. In fairness it was Liam Williams who did the majority of the work but O'Brien being on hand to crash over the line was testament to his support play as a flanker. O'Brien was a powerhouse for the Lions, known for his explosive running, defensive prowess, and work at the breakdown. He played a significant role in the Lions' 2013 and 2017 tours and is hence well deserving of his spot in this XV.
8. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
A versatile number eight, Dallaglio was great with ball in hand but also an excellent defender. He had a solid 1997 tour in South Africa, playing at both blindside flanker and number eight in all three Tests, matching the physicality of the South Africans. He was an excellent leader and had a huge engine. He was unfortunate to have his 2001 and 2005 tours hampered by injury, however his 1997 performance cements his place in this XV.
9. Matt Dawson (England)
Dawson travelled on his first Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 as an unknown with just a handful of England caps, unlikely to play in the Test team. After injuries in the team however, he found himself in the starting XV and took his opportunity with both hands. Widely remembered for his cheeky dummy run and try in the first Test against the Springboks, he was key for the Lions in that series. He was a great distributor but also great with ball in hand. He was a great game organiser and was instrumental in setting up Neil Jenkins' series winning drop goal in the second Test. He also played on the 2001 Australian and 2005 New Zealand tours, playing in seven Tests in total.
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
With two tours under his belt, to Australia in 2013 and to New Zealand in 2017, Johnny Sexton was instrumental in both. Sexton provided excellent game management to the Lions. He was also a threat on attack with exceptional passing and an ability to run with ball in hand. He was also solid on defence, rarely missing a tackle. He played in all three Tests during the successful tour to Australia, scoring a brilliant try in the third as the Lions romped to a 41-16 win to seal the series. On the bench in the first Test of the 2017 tour, he started the next two, guiding the Lions to a win in the second and a draw in the third. The fact he played 72 minutes of that third Test with a broken wrist and a ruptured ankle shows his commitment to the jersey and, as such, is worthy of the fly-half spot in our XV.
12. Owen Farrell (England)
Although he has moved between fly-half and inside centre during his Lions career, we couldn't leave Farrell out of this team. A superb game manager, Farrell's tactical brain is second to none. A multi-skilled player, Farrell is great with ball in hand, boot to ball and is also not shy in defence. Farrell toured with the Lions on all three tours between 2013 and 2021. His most memorable performance came during the 2017 New Zealand tour, where his laser-like goal-kicking saw the Lions stay level with the All Blacks to earn a historic series draw. Still playing excellent rugby, we expect Farrell to be on the plane to Australia in 2025.
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest centres of all time, Brian O'Driscoll was a wizard with the ball in hand. Agile and fast, he had an ability to spot gaps before they appeared. Nothing highlighted this more than the incredible solo try he scored in the first Test of the 2001 tour against Australia. A natural leader, O'Driscoll was named as captain for the 2005 tour to New Zealand. However he had his tour cut short in the opening minutes of the first Test, dislocating his shoulder in a controversial clean-out by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu. O'Driscoll toured with the Lions four times between 2001 to 2013, playing in eight Tests and forming the core of the Lions' midfield over this period.
11. George North (Wales)
George North was absolutely immense on the British and Irish Lions 2013 tour to Australia. No one will ever forget his barnstorming run in the second Test where he evaded an Israel Folau tackle by carrying him in a 'fireman's lift'. North had explosive speed, was a powerful runner and excellent finishing skills, showcased in some superb tries on that tour which ultimately helped the Lions to a 2-1 series win. North also toured to New Zealand with the 2017 Lions team, however injury kept him from achieving further glory. Despite this his memorable 2013 performance makes North well deserving of his spot in this XV.
14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Despite making his international debut for Ireland in 2004, Tommy Bowe really burst onto the scene five years later, on the British and Irish Lion's tour to South Africa in 2009. Outstanding performances in the mid-week games saw him push his way into the Test team. He was instrumental in the Lions' first Test win over the Springboks making two memorable try-saving tackles. Bowe was dangerously fast and despite not scoring a try made some scintillating runs on that tour. Injured at the start of the 2013 tour to Australia, he returned for the second and third Tests where he starred helping the Lions to their first series win since 1997.
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Leigh Halfpenny was absolutely immense for the Lions on their 2013 tour to Australia. He overcame everything the Wallabies threw at him over the three Tests. He was clutch under the high ball and near-perfect off the boot, scoring a record total of 49 points across the three Tests. His five penalties and three conversions in the third Test helped the team seal the series with a 41-16 win. His quality play was recognised as he was awarded player of the series. Although selected to tour South Africa in 2009 and New Zealand in 2017 he was largely kept out of these tours due to injury. However, his 2013 performance alone is enough for him to cement his spot as the best Lions fullback of the professional era.
Embrace the Legacy
And there you have it: rugbystuff.com's greatest British and Irish Lions XV of the professional era. Do you agree with us? Who would you pick? Let us know your thoughts!
It’s important to remember that the British and Irish Lions are more than just a team; they embody the spirit of rugby itself. With the excitement building for the 2025 tour, we invite fans to join us at rugbystuff.com. Gear up to support the team and be part of the incredible journey ahead!
Leave a comment