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 …
9. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Hawick's Tony Stanger, pictured playing for Scottish Borders against Brive in Galashiels that year, was a late addition to 1997's South African squad (Photo: David Rogers/Allsport) Photo: David Rogers
10. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Kelso's John Jeffrey, pictured in 1991 playing for Scotland versus New Zealand was one of six Borders players given Lions call-ups for 1989's Australian tour, the others being Gary Armstrong, Craig Chalmers, Peter Dods, Derek White and Finlay Calder (Photo: Simon Bruty/Allsport) Photo: Simon Bruty
11. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Gala's Derek White playing for the British Lions against Australia in Sydney in 1989 (Photo: Russell Cheyne/Allsport) Photo: Russell Cheyne
12. 12 of the Borders' last Lions
Jed-Forest's Gary Armstrong playing against New South Wales B in Australia in 1989 (Photo: Russell Cheyne/Allsport) Photo: Russell Cheyne