Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
04/01/2025 08:04 AM
The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player’s career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.
While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.
From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.
2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker
Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.
Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.
However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck
Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions’ Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray's elbow and fracturing his eye socket.
While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg's Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.
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