Sam Warburton

A TWO-TIME TOUR CAPTAIN WHO RETIRED UNDEFEATED AS A BRITISH & IRISH LION, THE WELSHMAN IS ONE OF THE GREATS

- 

IT DEPENDS on when you were born, I guess, but everyone will have differing opinions of who is a British & Irish Lions legend. Some come with a consensus. The likes of Willie John McBride and Sir Gareth Edwards are adorned with legendary status by all, whether you ever saw them play or not. Brian O'Driscoll and Martin Johnson are turn-of-the-century greats who have also entered the realm of immortality when it comes to that famous red jersey.

Some will be considered in high esteem thanks to your personal connection to a particular tour. Finlay Calder, Scott Gibbs and John Bentley all have a mythical legacy thanks to sparkling performances on individual tours.

My own laser focus on this unique team was formed through the 2005 to 2017 Lions tours. And for me, from that period, one more individual has reached that god-like level of Lions legacy status. A man who toured twice, was captain for both tours and never lost a Test series, winning one and drawing another.

Someone who typifies what it means to be a Lion in the professional era - Sam Warburton.

When talking to Warburton about the Lions, there are a lot of places you can start and there is likely little he hasn't been asked about it either. But I start by asking him whether he agrees that he is a Lions legend.

“No, it doesn't sit well being called a Lions legend,” Warburton tells Rugby World.

“I see Brian O'Driscoll or Martin Johnson as legends, but not me. They won multiple things, Grand Slams, European titles, World Cups, way more than me in the game. But I guess it’s what keeps you grounded. And you are never satisfied because you always think about wanting to achieve one more thing.