Double series winner as British & Irish Lions head coach, Sir Ian McGeechan highlights his top five Lions of all-time. You can't argue with his selection.
5. Willie John McBride
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, British and Irish Lions XV, World XV, Ireland, Ireland XV
- Position Lock
- All Tests 80
- Lions Appearances 17
McGeechan said: "He was my captain and was so instrumental in that your in 74 in South Africa."
4. Jason Leonard (England)
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Harlequins, England, England XV
- Position Prop
- All Tests 119
- Lions Appearances 5
McGeechan said: "Leonard has to be in there for me. I've often called him the ultimate Lion for not what he gave behind the scenes as well as on the field."
3. J.P.R Williams (Wales)
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, World XV, Wales, Wales XV
- Position Fullback
- All Tests 63
- Lions Appearances 8
McGeechan said: "He had a big impact.on my game in Test matches. There's never been a player quote him since."
DID YOU KNOW? An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Williams has continued to be involved in rugby since retirement
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2. Martin Johnson (England)
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Leicester Tigers, England, England XV
- Position Lock
- All Tests 92
- Lions Appearances 8
McGeechan said: “I put his name down and moved on. It was as simple as that. Exceptional."
DID YOU KNOW? Martin Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler
1. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Presidents XV, World XV, Wales, Wales XV
- Position Scrum-half
- All Tests 63
- Lions Appearances 10
McGeechan said: "I think for me being around in in the 70s was a privilege,..hewas the best player I ever saw,"
In 2003, in a poll of international rugby players conducted by magazine, Edwards was declared the greatest player of all time.
