"Who's he?" - 5 Weirdest Lions Call-Ups in history have been named

Rugby News
Wednesday, 28 April 2021 at 15:23
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The British & Irish Lions 'weirdest' call-ups have been ranked, crowning the touring sides worst players.
As per Scrum Recap, these are the strangest stars to don the famous red jersey.

#5. Christian Wade (2013)

What they said: "Although he didn't get much game time, Wade was referred to as a fantastic 'tourist' and perhaps will most be remembered for the camera panning to his teammates during a warm up match with him giggling away as he combed his hair."
What we think: The one-cap England wide-man was called up to play in the Brumbies game but stole the show for his hair-combing off the field, not his rugby. An abundance of speed and can finish but looked very raw and didn’t relish defensive duties.

#4. Andy Titterell (2005)

What they said: "Titterrell wasn't ready to come up against behemoth's like Mealamu and co; he really struggled against the bigger packs. He went on to play five times internationally and now he's part of the Wasps dressing room; a really solid career that doesn't get the praise that it deserves despite the time period."
What we think: Choosing to select an enormous 44-man squad, Clive Woodward made several left field selections. None more so than a Sale Sharks hooker with only two caps for England. His technical and physical skills were not good enough for the Lions.
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#3. Tom Court (2013)

What they said: "Court actually thought he was being pranked by some senior squad members with the call up! It might have come as a shock to see a man, currently on holiday over in Australia, suddenly get pushed into one of the most exciting Lion's tours of recent memory."
What we think: “Whilst not selected for the Test team, the London Irish man must be considered one of the strangest call-ups in Lions history, joining the squad while on holiday with his family in 2013. He made no real impact to the trip but held up the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels.”
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#2. Billy Twelvetrees (2013)

What they said: "With 19 caps under his belt and in the interest of versatility, you can sort of understand why he was introduced into the fray."
What we think:  It may be easy to forget, but Twelvetrees was one of the most exciting talents in Europe when he was called up. He’d impressed for England in his four caps, and looked set for a bright international future. This pick feels more deemed on the use of hindsight.
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#1. Cory Hill (2017)

What they said: "Wait, wait, wait, hear me out! You might be wondering, 'why would a 30 cap international lock, who's just won the Six Nations be a weird pick for the Lions?' Well the answer is simple, Joe Launchbury."
What we think: If it was purely based on form and pedigree, the likes of England captain Dylan Hartley and lock Joe Launchbury would have been on their way to Auckland from Buenos Aires.  Brian O'Driscoll famously said of Hill, "I don't even know who he is,".
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