THE British & Irish Lions is fast approaching, with players ready to write themselves in folklore against the Springboks.
Many of the players are used to playing in the biggest games having forged their career in the professional youth ranks before stepping up to senior rugby.
But for other players in Warren Gatland’s squad, the road to the top has been considerably more gruelling.
#1. Chris Harris (Scotland)
Since making his Scotland debut in 2017, Harris has accumulated 28 caps and become a key figure in the heart of their midfield.
However, he only signed a professional contract four years before that, joining Newcastle Falcons in 2013 after impressing at National League side Tynedale while studying architecture at Northumbria University.