LIST: The four overseas Lions in the 2021 squad

Thursday, 06 May 2021 at 17:37

byRugby Rucker

It won't be only four nations represented on the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour with these four players originally coming from the Southern Hemisphere.

#1. Taulupe Faletau (Tonga)

Faletau was born in Tofoa, Tonga, to Tongan international Kuli Faletau, who represented Tonga at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Kuli moved to Wales in 1997 to join Ebbw Vale.

#2. Bundee Aki (New Zealand)

Aki was born in the Auckland suburb of Otahuhu, to Hercules and Sautia Aki. He was named Fua Leiofi, but was called Bundellu after the doctor who delivered him. The nickname "Bundee" was given to him by a rugby coach at under-age level. Bundee was the second eldest of six children, with one brother and four sisters. He qualified for Ireland through residency.

#3. Duhan van de Merwe (South Africa)

Van der Merwe was born and grew up in George in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The powerhouse winger qualified for Scotland through the three year residency rule.

#4. Mako Vunipola (New Zealand)

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Vunipola was raised for much of his childhood in Wales and attended Porth Junior School, and later West Monmouth School. He qualified for England through residency.