“The best captain I ever had" - Warren Gatland ranks his 5 best Lions

In a generation where the Red Dragons were blessed with playing class, he was arguably the greatest Welsh player of all time. Partnered with the King and was instrumental in a golden age of Lions rugby where they beat the All Blacks and Springboks in 1971 and 1974.

GATLAND SAID: "To me, he is probably the greatest halfback we've seen in the game. He was quick, intelligent and scored a lot of tries."

In 2003, in a poll of international rugby players conducted by  magazine, Edwards was declared the greatest player of all time. 

While not a noted tactical kicker like Gavin Hastings (1989-1993, 6 tests) ironically it was a long range drop goal that effectively won the Lions the 1971 series against the All Blacks. The sheer attacking genius of John Peter Rhys saw him play an integral role in the all conquering side that toured South Africa in 1974.

GATLAND SAID: "He was incredibly tough, even though he was a fullback he probably could have played in the forwards. He definitely put his body on the line."

DID YOU KNOW? An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Williams has continued to be involved in rugby since retirement

GATLAND SAID: "In his prime, he was absolutely outstanding in terms of his rugby knowledge and leadership. He was always able to make players around him look better than they were."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the 8th-highest try scorer in international rugby union history, and the highest scoring centre of all time

The first man to captain the Lions on two separate occasions, and leader of the team that defeated the Springboks in 1997 when they last toured. Said to have been made by his performances on that tour, and would catalyst dominance for both Leicester and England in the coming years.

GATLAND SAID: "An unbelievable leader. Probably the most competitive player I've ever come across. Very tough and loved a challenge."

DID YOU KNOW? Martin Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler

GATLAND SAID: “The best captain that I’ve ever been involved with was Lawrence Dallaglio.

“He had that unbelievable ability to motivate players in a way that I’ve never seen anyone else able to do. Particularly in the changing rooms,” Gatland explained.

“He’d talk the talk and then walk the walk. I’ve so much admiration for his leadership and honesty in that role.”

DID YOU KNOW? He is one of a very small number of players to have won both the Rugby World Cup and Sevens World Cup