The Greatest Lions South Africa 1974

In the Summer of 1974, the British and Irish Lions toured South Africa and have since been hailed as the greatest touring side ever. Under the captaincy of the great Willie John McBride, the Lions won 21 of 22 matches and drew the last Test and therefore, remained unbeaten for the whole tour.

Famous for their “99” call, which was a pre-planned signal should any violence break out, ensured every member of the Lions team reacted immediately to defend their teammates. After the sometimes brutal tour of New Zealand, three years earlier, the Lions were determined not to be intimidated again. The dominance of their forwards and the brilliance of their backs eclipsed the great series win in New Zealand in 1971, prompting Dannie Craven to dub them “The Greatest team to visit South Africa”.

I remember, as a teenager, listening to each match live on the radio with my Dad. We used to lay out a pitch on the floor using random household items and try to imagine where the play was on the field. It’s hard to think something so momentous wasn’t screened live, but the memories of that tour are still seared in my memory, even if it involves salt and pepper pots!

I modelled this commemorative, four piece 50th anniversary figure in 2024 but unfortunately, we were unable to release it due to having committed ourselves to other projects, we were determined to honour.. However, perhaps happenstance has positively intervened and it’s fitting for such an important anniversary figure to be available in the year of another Lions tour.

It almost didn’t get made at all, as I struggled to choose from so many great players from each country, who represented the British and Irish Lions on that incredible tour, The decision occupied my thoughts for a long time and caused many a sleepless night. I’m sure the debate will rage on, but in the end I couldn’t let the 50th anniversary pass without paying my tribute to “The Invincibles”.

Dimensions - 16cm x 16cm

Limited Edition of 300

Priced at £395 

Deposit Option

A £50 deposit will secure you a Limited Edition number on this piece. They will then be allocated in time/date order of the paid deposit and in line with the delay quoted. Once we reach your order in the queue, we will be in contact via email to offer you a chance to take up your piece. If you are not ready for it, please let us know and we will move onto the next awaiting order.

Deadline for completion of payment - The payment option is available for you to pay any amount as and when you wish. However, if full payment hasn’t been received by the time production comes to an end and we need to retire the mould we will then be in touch for the complete payment, or offer a refund on the deposit if it is no longer required or if we don’t hear back from you.

Balance (After Deposit)

This is to be used when prompted to pay your balance as and when we have your piece ready for your order. Or if you would prefer to send the balance payment beforehand, we will ship or arrange collection once we have one available for you.

Full Payment Option

You may pay the full price at time of order, this will secure you a Limited Edition number on this piece. As per the deposit option, orders fully paid will still be allocated in time/date order and in line with the delay quoted – they will not be allocated any sooner than deposits.

This option means as soon as we have one available for you it will be sent straight out or available for collection.