My Lions Moment: Willie John McBride At 80

[@AdamSmith-cz8zg]

served this man at a small kiosk in the mountains between Queensland and New South Wales around 6 months prior to the 2001 Lions Tour of Australia. I stupidly stammered out something like, "it's an honour to serve you." (!) His wife straight away said I was the only person in Australia to recognise Willie John. He spoke to me for the next 10 minutes. Lovely person. Great rugby man.

[@GaryDuncanson-s4g]

A lovely man

[@aidankearney493]

What a giant of a man. So well respected World wide. The heartbeat of the British and Irish lions. Happy 80th.

[@kevinjalandoni9834]

Fortunate to play against him when he captained the lions against the Manawatu-Horowhenua team in 71 and he gave a great aftermatch humble speech, Still the greatest team to tour NZ.

[@patrickjacobs1715]

How time has changed. I was eight years old and pretending to be you Sir. As a black South African during that time, you and the whole team were our heroes. Belated happy birthday Sir. May God bless you

[@guyperry4010]

Super stuff, Patrick!

[@MANDREW33]

Seems like yesterday watching this series as a young white South African teenager . You were my heroes too.

[@ianmarsden1130]

This man is the epitome of rugby. I am blessed to have watched him. I'm English, British but first a rugby player. God Bless you Willie John.

[@ducati916SPS]

Kids you're looking at a true Rugby Legend, huge respect from a 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 fan

[@augstinostandrew6606]

Hands down the greatest British & Irish Lions captain, honest and courageous.

[@bwytacig]

A legend and a true gentleman

[@shaunjayes8842]

As a South African, I can honestly say that the 1974 Lions team was the best touring side I’ve ever seen in this country. Arguably the best team to have ever toured here, or anywhere for that matter. I was luck enough, as a schoolboy, to watch 3 matches in that series and they will forever live in my memory. We were shell shocked for a decade afterwards. We will always remember the “99 call” with less than fond memories 😊 but respected it immensely. What a team and what a leader. Huge respect.

[@kevinkeane303]

I'm not sure bout that the 96 all blacks weren't to shabby I believe.

[@markwesley9346]

As a New Zealander I agree with shaunjayes. I was a teenager in 1971 when the Lions beat us for the first time. We couldn't believe it possible. Many of these guys (Willie John, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams) were the backbone of 1974, which I still regard the best rugby team of all time. Not only that, they were/are thoroughly decent, humble men as personified by Willie John in this video.

[@shaunjayes8842]

@@markwesley9346 Spot on Mark, we were extremely privileged to have lived at that time, and got to see that group of players, the likes of which come around only once, in many generations.

[@St_AngusYoung]

@@kevinkeane303no they weren’t but the ‘74 Lions played more games in the Republic and went through the tour undefeated. The ‘96 All Blacks can’t say the same.

[@GaryDuncanson-s4g]

​@@markwesley9346 nice of you to say so.

[@garywagner2466]

He looks like he could go out and play again tomorrow. Impressive. Sharp as a tack at 80.

[@KernowekTim]

Lion King. A born warrior and a true leader of men. Hard, yet fair.God bless him.

[@Caesar-3el]

Led by a giant of a man that 74 side was so so special against a S.A team that took no prisoners.

[@gow03333]

I have read Mr McBride's book , what an insight into the gentleman giant . Players player. We have had some brilliant lion's captains in recent years,however the mould was cast a few years ago. Happy birthday from Wales

[@fredbeach2085]

He could go today to South Africa and never have to buy a drink, even the Saffers have a huge respect for this Rugby legend.

[@waynejones1054]

Wonderful man, wonderful captain. Immense yet very humble,. he would inspire anyone to perform at their best. His achievement is still unsurpassed. Knighthood long overdue. Huge respect from Wales. 🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉

[@pauldurkee4764]

That's a good call Wayne, both Willie John and John Dawes should have been knighted for their achievements in the 70s, its great we have these guys on film because I don't think we will ever see equivalent sides again.

[@kelvinlewis4065]

Happy 80th ..big man ..(Welsh fan ) ..Thank you ..

[@andrewcowman8731]

A m an who united The Island of Ireland through a minority sport, Rugby. A man who never wanted the limelight & his agriculture life has the backbone of his philosophy resonates to the top & bottom of life, He changed a country, South Africa, & Ireland. I love this guy.

[@allanmartin3273]

Should Willie John McBride now be made '' Sir Willie John McBride "? What do you think? If Gareth Edwards, Clive Woodward and Bill Beaumont are all" Sirs" why not Willie John McBride cannot think of anyone more deserving.

[@nigelhamilton815]

Yes!!

[@mgregory3470]

I don't think it will happen. His grandfather, also Willie- John McBride, fought against the British juggernaught, on the side of the Boers in the second English war in South-Africa, as part of the Irish Brigade in 1899-1902. I would love to meet, for me, Sir McBride. I was 14 years old when my heroes, the Sprinbokke, got thrashed. The selectors also then completely lost their minds after the first test in 1974.

[@dionlindsay2]

Of course he should. If he achieved half of what he did in the 70s but did it now, he'd be knighted in a second.

[@kelvinlewis4065]

I thought he was a Sir .? ..I,m Welsh ..so we dont get much Sirs in Wales (Sir Gareth God Bless ) ..We got John Charles aswel .... They wont do that ..?? ..I think you have to wear the rose and do charity ,,,that "does it " !!

[@brettwilkinson9529]

Definitely. Dont know why Clive Woodward received one.

[@michaelbrown984]

What a lovely humble man true giant of the great game.. happy birthday Willie John.

[@davidr9991]

What a giant of a man in every respect. Who wouldn't follow him into battle ?

[@windsorlad1000]

So eloquent, so dignified, a great rugby player and man.

[@nigelhamilton815]

" Never left the field early" I remember him having his cut eye stitched up on the field. Giant of a man in my eyes.

[@simonhellier7281]

A privilege to spend quality time with him in ‘97. A great guy with real presence.

[@mr.f.j.vandervyver9897]

Belated many happy returns of the day Willie.

[@Mrjohnbigboy]

A true hero.

[@scott7008]

5 lions tours........what!!!! AMAZING!!

[@malcx8956]

Nice to see and hear him now eighty speak so Eloquently,they say nowadays anybody's a legend But he is right up there,was a great footballer too

[@danieljones3955]

What a man unbelievable leader who got the most out of every rugby player class act and a true gent

[@graemewiltshire312]

A rugby great and a true gentleman. Best wishes from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@colynbarrett8127]

What, a true Legend of The Game of Rugby! Was,lucky to have seen him play at Cardiff Arms Park many times. Also, have his Autobiography ( Highly Recommended!) Happy Birthday to you From Every Rugby Union Fan in Wales! Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.

[@jeremyventer2238]

These guy's were real men. Because of 74, a series against the lions - bigger than the world cup.

[@CraighJonas]

Legendary player! Loved his pep talk in the '09 series.

[@hoaniman1]

one of the greats in Rugby, couldn't say enough about Willie John, maybe, great heart, Humble, nice guy, looking well in his 80th year.....kia ora Willie John.

[@klaasprinsloo8754]

Great to see you are still in good health Sir. I was ten years old in 1974 and collected all I could about the series, transcriptions of the four tests, photo's and interviews. I knew most of the team by heart, positions played and even collected articles published beyond the tour. Great Times! I will have my BIL Jersey by the time your team visits this year!!

[@donalfinn4205]

Thank you Willie John McBride.

[@russellgodfrey9677]

Was lucky to travel with him to last SA tour. Was able to assist hosting him and his wife in Muscat Spent a good few hours with him and what great company they were, Happy 80th to you - still the standard true rugby players are measured by! Top man

[@FionaMacdonald-p9p]

God bless you Willie John.

[@jonathanfoster4243]

What a hero

[@brettwilkinson9529]

A Great man. Would love to have been on that 3 man speaking tour of South Africa with Willie John , Colin Meads and Frik Du Preez. What a laugh that would have been.

[@lestrem11]

True legend, when he leads, you follow....

[@andrewbiggins9404]

What a legend, what a side that 74 Lions team was and what a result to win a tour against the fearsome Boks.

[@keithfowler2013]

❤Great man and leader of men.

[@aaronvardy4985]

The greatest lions captain ever.

[@IwasInThe60s]

When I heard the names Willie-John, Mighty Mouse, JJ and JPR Williams, just to mention a few, it brings back incredible memories. You knew that the bubbly will remain in the fridge and you will have to do with beer around the braai...

[@paulgillingwater8723]

Hear hear fantastic

[@pipellis6672]

He was one of my rugby hero’s growing up...and I’m Welsh. What a leader and player, and gentleman.

[@ffotograffyddgohebwyr8308]

Top man from a Welshman.A true GOLLIATH.99 anyone,The Boks couldn't handle that.

[@naidoo307]

Bakkies would have sorted him out 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GaryDuncanson-s4g]

A very lovely man. Hugely respected around the globe. At the time the world record holder in caps.

[@martinhumphreys2578]

Absolute star of a player and a man...

[@tomjones7593]

what can you say- a giant!!

[@maelughran6981]

Probably the most esteemed rugby union player on the planet and its not hard to see why.

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

Willie John McBride was to Irish and Lions rugby what Colin Meads was to All Blacks rugby. Both legends.

[@ingerlander]

What a lad

[@thebishop.9944]

Legend.

[@perfectstorm9259]

Legend! from New Zealand

[@jonathanmawdesley-thomas1863]

Absolute legend

[@hughgrection4205]

Lovely lad.

[@6thtop]

Quality man

[@ay613]

Nice learning from the old

[@KernowekTim]

and the wise.

[@bhupendrasolanki663]

A rugby legend right up there with Colin Meads and Frik Du Preez...

[@EnglishVeteran]

The Unbeaten Lions. Willie wasn’t asked about the 99 call? That was significant.

[@lindsaycameron5029]

It’s in another video

[@stefandebruin8118]

Legend!!

[@wheelieking3976]

Amazing man.

[@melbeeswax6087]

I wouldn't say he's 'one of' the greatest Lions. Undoubtedly 'The' greatest Lion, surely?

[@ZambeziKid]

excellent video

[@ZambeziKid]

just look at the comments to this video. It says it all.

[@johnmcfadyen9741]

Great man. Slainthe. McFadden

[@sammycasey2572]

Looks like he could still win a lineout ball

[@SuperAllanjames]

I remember him turning up at my rugby club hoping to train with us at our Tuesday evening session. He'd been up to some business in our town that day and the train back to the Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire ferry didn't sail until 2am Wednesday morning. He was no bigger than I but so much stronger that I spent more time avoiding him than engaging. Great guy.

[@keziah864]

My great uncle

[@barneypaws4883]

The greatest Lion ever

[@grandslam1998]

Fine Man You Are!

[@PeterAdams-fx3my]

I lived through it and watched those games. Probably some of the best players ever. Willy probably the best captain ever only matched by Martin Johnson. Other really greats were J P R Williams and Gareth Edwards. Speaking as a South African.

[@fuzzy1237]

Legend

[@wobblertv8083]

74 lions one of the greatest sides ever .

[@geoffjones4285]

No step back The only time 99 goes with 74

[@francoisdebruyn4424]

Yes, my father Cas de Bruyn was the ref in 2 of the tests.

[@Hanamy7777]

A real man. Not many left now. Just me and the poor devil down at the end of the road with the difficult wife.

[@GaryAndrienVansluys]

What a shock the 74 Lions were to us South Africans! Was at the Natal game...Whew...the naartjies rained down onto the field..what a war😂

[@twmlloyd3600]

Penblwydd hapus , giant of a man

[@davidfinn3771]

Spoke with Grace

[@68mullen]

why ruin it with the music?

[@chrishancock6728]

A career that included 70 odd Lions matches, and never substituted EVER. 'Nuf said

[@genghisthegreat2034]

" bits of Bob missing, ear nose and things "

[@phil.davies6726]

'99' comments at the moment!

[@Byron-g5l]

This was a GREAT team(1974 British Lions)...one thing I ALWAYS found disgusting was the 99 call...there is never a place for this disgusting violence....

[@Tianton1]

the music in the background was a terrible shout

[@luckylukewalker9834]

“I think we won championship that year”. He was the captain and he can’t remember if Ireland won the championship or not.

[@andrewhally5447]

Lucky u wouldn't be fit to tie the mans laces

[@luckylukewalker9834]

@@andrewhally5447 That’s a nonsensical comment.

[@cliveuuking4602]

Not diverse with their politics

[@stefanlosty5394]

A bit disappointed in these days of BLM, about Willie John McBride's 80th birthday interview. He's rightly proud of his achievements with the Lions, but there seemed to be no hint of regret about touring apartheid era South Africa - just going on about that old nonsense of 'Sport and Politics don't mix'. I don't really blame him for going as he was a young man and it was a tremendous opportunity but you would have thought that there would have been plenty of time to reflect on it all in those 45+ years since

[@jimmycrowley5703]

Stefan Losty - That’s a very cheap shot

[@raynierllewis2827]

😮

[@genghisthegreat2034]

You must remember that rugby, almost alone, united sporting effort in Ireland, especially in the 1970's. Those were the years when Wales and Scotland declined to travel to Dublin for their away game commitments, and England were warmly welcomed for their courage in doing so. There was a strong division of opinion, certainly in Ireland, and I'm sure in the UK, on sports links with Apartheid SA, but the Lions played to mixed stadium attendances, and it still amuses me to see the crowd reactions to JJ, or JPR, or Phil Bennett running in tries......some of those games wouldn't have felt like an away match at all.

[@genghisthegreat2034]

You must remember that rugby, almost alone, united sporting effort in Ireland, especially in the 1970's. Those were the years when Wales and Scotland declined to travel to Dublin for their away game commitments, and England were warmly welcomed for their courage in doing so. There was a strong division of opinion, certainly in Ireland, and I'm sure in the UK, on sports links with Apartheid SA, but the Lions played to mixed stadium attendances, and it still amuses me to see the crowd reactions to JJ, or JPR, or Phil Bennett running in tries......some of those games wouldn't have felt like an away match at all.

[@Del-yv1qy]

Sorry, but very over rated,alot better have played for Ireland.

[@martybourke2428]

Anyone who can drop Pinetree as Wille did and play 71 games for the Lions has skill ,strength, and Willie didnt select himself.

[@garywagner2466]

Don’t be sorry you don’t know anything about rugby. Common amongst trolls.

[@martybourke2428]

Not overrated by Colin Meads

[@martybourke2428]

Not overrated by Colin Meads

[@martybourke2428]

Not overrated by Colin Meads