That’s only happened once in the last four decades, in 2001, though the Borders contingent taking part in the multinational team’s four-yearly tours has sometimes numbered only one and has never exceeded half a dozen over that time.
Warren Gatland, head coach third time round for the Lions’ tour of South Africa this summer, is due to name his squad next month, and hopes are high that it will include at least a couple of Borderers or, failing that, more Scots than has become the norm of late.
Ahead of that announcement, here’s a look back at a dozen of the most recent Borders players to turn out for the Lions …
See also …
5. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Australian-born Gala star Nathan Hines up against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park Stadium on June 3, 2009, in Johannesburg, South Africa (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
6. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Border Reivers player Chris Cusiter, seen playing against Taranaki on June 8, 2005, in New Plymouth, New Zealand, was one of three Scots on that year's tour (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Photo: Shaun Botterill
7. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Gala's Gregor Townsend, seen playing against Natal Sharks in Durban, South Africa, was one of four Borderers on 1997's tour, the others being Doddie Weir, Alan Tait and Tony Stanger (Photo: Alex Livesey/Allsport) Photo: Alex Livesey
8. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Kelso's Alan Tait playing against Northern Transvaal at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1997 (Photo: David Rogers/Allsport) Photo: David Rogers