Warren Gatland has named his ultimate British & Irish Lions XV — selecting the standout players who defined his era in charge of the famous touring side.
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Three tours, three different outcomes
Gatland was part of the Lions furniture from 2009 to 2021, starting out as an assistant to Sir Ian McGeechan in South Africa. He then took full control for three blockbuster series:
- Australia 2013 – won 2-1
- New Zealand 2017 – drawn 1-1
- South Africa 2021 – lost 2-1
Few coaches in the sport have had that level of impact on the Lions. But with the 2025 tour creeping closer, it looks like Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is now the front-runner to take the reins.
Gatland’s Lions legacy — the ultimate red XV
Before stepping back, Gatland looked back on his time with the squad by naming his greatest-ever British & Irish Lions XV — and there are some huge calls.
Writing in his Telegraph column, he said:
"I have gone through my notes of each of the four tours… and made what is undoubtedly the toughest selection I have ever had to make."
He added that this team is based purely on Lions form, not overall career success. So, if you weren't on fire in the red jersey, you didn't make the cut.
No room for BOD? Again?
Yes, you read that right. Brian O'Driscoll, one of the most iconic Lions players of all time, has once again been left out of the starting XV — just like in 2013. Instead, it's Jonathan Davies in the No.13 jersey, with O’Driscoll making do with a spot on the bench.
Let's take a look at the full team…
WARREN GATLAND'S GREATEST LIONS XV
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
12. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
11. George North (Wales)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
1. Mako Vunipola (England)
2. Jamie George (England)
3. Adam Jones (Wales)
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (England)
7. Sam Warburton (Wales)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Replacements:
Tom Youngs (England), Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Owen Farrell (England), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
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Sir Ian McGeechan Named the 5 Greatest Players in Rugby History
When Sir Ian McGeechan speaks, the rugby world listens. The legendary Lions boss – who's done it all as both player and coach – knows greatness when he sees it.
With six British & Irish Lions tours on his CV (four as head coach, two as a player), the Scotsman has spent decades rubbing shoulders with the very best. His rugby brain is unmatched, and his influence on the game? Monumental.
So when Geech picks his top five players of all time, it's a list worth taking seriously.
And yes, there's room for a few shockers – including a certain Irish centre who didn't make the cut…
Honourable mentions:
Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – arguably the greatest centre of all time, but not quite in Geech's top five.
JPR Williams (Wales) – a trailblazing fullback who redefined his position.
But who did make the cut? An English genius, a Welsh wizard – and a few picks that might just surprise you.
Let's break it down.
#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
A behemoth who changed the game forever, Jonah Lomu was rugby's first global superstar. The 6ft 5in, 120kg winger was a terrifying blend of speed and power, redefining what was possible for a man of his size.
Lomu's explosive performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remain the stuff of legend, as he bulldozed defences with ease, scoring four tries in an iconic semi-final against England.
McGeechan wrote: "Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby."
#4. Martin Johnson (England)
One of the most fearsome captains in rugby history, Martin Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003, cementing his place among the sport's greats.
Renowned for his towering physicality, leadership, and sheer will to win, the Leicester lock was the heart of England's forward dominance during his era. He remains the only man to have captained the Lions on two tours.
McGeechan wrote: "I think he defined an era, both for forward play and for the performances of the teams he represented."
#3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Regarded by many as the finest fly-half to ever play the game, Dan Carter's all-around excellence made him a once-in-a-generation talent.
The All Black maestro's tactical awareness, immaculate goal-kicking, and game-breaking ability saw him guide New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
McGeechan wrote: "He really was the complete 10. His defence was immaculate, he could break himself, he could bring others into play, his kicking from hand and from tee was incredibly accurate. He also changed the way the game was played with his kicking from his own 22m and his kicking to compete. The greatest of the modern era in my opinion."
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