Selecting a Lions squad is a devilishly hard job for any coach, and there are invariably some players who are bitterly unlucky to miss out.
There are a number of reasons a good player may never be called-up for the Lions, from the strength of competition in their position to unfortunately timed injuries.
All of the players on this list, whether it be on the grounds of their ability or achievements can be considered very unlucky to never be called up for the Lions.
Here are the top 5 players to never be capped by the Lions:
#1. Peter Stringer (Ireland)
Perhaps the best player in this list, Stringer’s international career began in 2000, going on to win 98 caps, forming a strong partnership with Munster teammate Ronan O’Gara and playing 55 times for Ireland together.
Whilst O’Gara went on three Lions tours, winning two Test caps while Stringer was never handed so much as a call-up as an injury replacement.
