The British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia are pleased to announce a Player of the Match medal will be named in honour of former player Blair Swannell.
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.
The Blair Swannell Player of the Match, presented by Qatar Airways, will be awarded to the standout player in the fixture between the Lions and an Invitational Australia & New Zealandside at the Adelaide Oval on July 12.
The Lions, Wallabies and Qatar Airways are delighted to recognise and honour Blair’s incredible service and his remarkable life story.
This match will be played prior to the first of three Tests during this summer’s Lions Tour in Australia.
Blair Swannell played a total of 32 games for the Lions including seven Test matches. He made 17 appearances on the 1899 Tour to Australia and a further 15 on the 1904 Tour to Australia and New Zealand. He also made 116 appearances for Northampton Saints and was the first player from the club to represent the Lions.
He shares the record for most Test wins with Froude Hancock - thanks to six successes in seven Test matches.
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.
He lived a life of adventure. He sailed to Australia when he was a schoolboy sailor aged 15, fought for two years in the Boer war in South Africa and undertook a fruitless expedition from Nova Scotia, Canada to Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina to hunt for gold.
When World War One came in 1914 he immediately signed up in the Australian army, aged 39, and was promoted to Major.
Blair landed on the first day of the Gallipoli Campaign on April 25, 1915 and was killed while leading his men that same day. He is buried there in Baby 700 Cemetery.
Commenting on the announcement Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions said: “Blair Swannell’s legacy is an incredible part of our 137-year history and this medal is a fitting way to remember Blair’s memory.
“The Invitational Australia & New Zealand match in Adelaide is set to be a very special match and I am also delighted that Blair’s family will join us for the occasion.”
Ieuan Evans MBE, Tour Manager and Chair of The British & Irish Lions added: “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 said: “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.”
Robert Swannell CBE, great nephew of Blair Swannell said: “Blair Swannell’s achievement of playing for both the Lions and Australia, as well as sharing the best winning Test record of any Lions player ever, is something that should be remembered and celebrated.
“So too should his service and ultimate sacrifice in Australian uniform at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, a day still remembered each year by so many Australians and New Zealanders.
“We are grateful to both the Lions and Rugby Australia for this recognition and as a family are excited to see one of the stars of the 2025 Tour be awarded a medal in Blair Swannell’s honour.”
