Many would argue the greatest British & Irish Lion of all time. His illustrious career as a Lion started in 1962, just months after making his international debut for Ireland. McBride has been selected to tour with the British & Irish Lions on no less than five occasions and holds the record of 17 Test appearances. In his final tour in 1974 his achievements saw him awarded the captaincy by the selection committee. His ‘We take no prisoners’ attitude saw McBride establish a reputation that became respected by all in the game. His side returned from South Africa undefeated. Although Willie John retired from international rugby in 1975, he did return to the Lions touring side in 1983 only this time as Manager.

As the holder of the highest number of Test caps (17), the most overall Lions appearances (71) and the longest Lions career (1962-1974), he is quite simply a British & Irish Lions legend.

"No one had ever beaten the Springboks on their home soil. Not even the All Blacks and they'd been trying for the best part of 100 years. I was very fortunate because I was around for so long I got to go on five Lions tours. To go to New Zealand and win as we did in 1971 was a bit special, but nothing I ever did on the rugby field comes close to '74."

Willie John McBride