Home Nations Heroes, No 7: Willie–John Mcbride

Published on 17/01/2013 02:07

THE Ireland and British and Irish Lions lock played 63 Tests for Ireland from 1962-1975, including 11 as captain, and toured with the Lions a record five times, captaining the most successful ever Lions side which went to South Africa in 1974.

It was a controversial and physical tour, won 3-0 with one match drawn, and McBride famously instigated the “99” call in the “Battle of Boet Erasmus Stadium” so, when one Lion retaliated, all other Lions were expected to join in the melee or hit the nearest Springbok.

In McBride’s last game for Ireland at Lansdowne Road, against France, he dramatically scored his first-ever Test try near the end of the match.

After retiring from playing, McBride coached the Irish team and was manager of the 1983 Lions tour to New Zealand.