"The build of a water buffalo" - Bill McLaren ranked his top 5 all-time Lions

McLaren said: "He burst onto the scene with elegant, smooth acceleration, superb judgement of angle and distance, and subtle body balance in swerve and pace change, that were to decorate his career as one of the most gifted centres to ever play the game."

McLaren said: "He flitted like some phantom through the cluttered confines of the opposing defences, like some waif possessed hypnotic powers and skill - that surely is an apt description of the subtle modes of deception and wizardry that made John such an extraordinary talent, not to mention his mastery of flight and distance in the placement of his punts."

McLaren said: "Had the build of a water buffalo. There was, of course, much more to Cotton than just size. That he was no slouch when he stepped in the accelerator and also possessed high grade handling skills that were underlined at the first ever World Sevens tournament in 1973."

McLaren said: "He was the complete competitor whose calm assurance and unwavering confidence were vital ingredients in the test successes for the Lions against New Zealand in 1971 and in South Africa three years later."

McLaren said: "He was immensely strong, especially in the upper body, possessing the barrel-chest of a shot putter as well as powerful legs, arms and wrists. He was in the highest possible echelon throughout his career,"