Dual international record holder to be honoured ahead of Lions Test series

The Player of the Match medal for the British and Irish Lions’ game versus an Invitational Australia & New Zealand side at the Adelaide Oval on July 12 will be named in honour of former player and World War 1 hero Blair Swannell. This match will be played before the first of three Tests during this summer’s tour.

Swannell is one of just two players to play for both the Lions and Australia and shares the record for the most Test wins by a single Lion, with his six wins from seven capped appearances matching the feat of Froude Hancock.

In 1899, he was selected to play for the Lions against Australia, making him not only Northampton’s first Lion, but first international. He went on to play a total of 32 games for the Lions, spanning two tours.

Following the 1904 Lions tour, Swannell remained in Sydney to teach and coach at St Joseph’s College. He played for Sydney District, Northern Suburbs, and New South Wales before being capped by the Wallabies in 1905 against New Zealand in Dunedin.

Swannell is being commemorated for not only his deeds on a rugby pitch on either side of the world, but also for his military service. Having earlier served in the Boer War, when World War One came in 1914 Swannell joined the 1st Battalion, Australian Infantry and was promoted to the rank of major. Swannell landed on the first day of the Gallipoli Campaign on 25 April 1915 and was killed while leading his men that same day. He is buried there in Baby 700 Cemetery.

Tour Manager and Chair of the Lions, Ieuan Evans MBE, said: “We are delighted to recognise the outstanding achievement of Blair Swannell.

“To play for both the British & Irish Lions and the Wallabies is something that has only been achieved by two players in the history of the Lions, and we felt it was important to mark his legacy during this summer’s Tour to Australia.

“The match between the Lions and the Invitational Australia & New Zealand side will be a unique encounter, and it is a fitting reflection of Blair’s rugby career to honour his contribution during this fixture.”

Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, added: “On the battlefield and sporting field, Blair Swannell holds a unique place in Australian and British history, having represented both nations militarily and in rugby.

“It is with deep honour and respect that Rugby Australia and The British & Irish Lions recognise Blair’s extraordinary life this Anzac Day – 110 years to the day since he made the ultimate sacrifice on the shores of Gallipoli – by commissioning an award in his name for this year’s historic Lions tour.

“The Player of the Match medal for the AUNZ v Lions match at Adelaide Oval will be awarded to the footballer who best exemplifies skill, courage and commitment, the very traits that defined Blair on both sides of the world.”