The British & Irish Lions scooped the 2013 Team of the Year prize at the 64th annual SJA British Sports Awards in London.
Warren Gatland, who led the Lions to the historic 2-1 series win in Australia during the summer, accepted the trophy on behalf of the team.
The Sports Journalists’ Association has been staging the British Sports Awards since 1949, making them the longest established sports awards in the country.
David Walker, the SJA Chairman, said: “It speaks volumes for the brilliance of British sportsmen and women that the glories of 2012, the London Olympics year, have been matched, and in some cases surpassed, in 2013.
“While Andy Murray was our runaway winner of the men’s award, the women’s and team awards were highly competitive. Christine Ohuruogu was our deserved winner of the women’s title and after the closest of votes the British & Irish Lions won our team award.
“The SJA is the largest independent sports writers’ association in the world.
“Our members are at the sharp end of sport and yet again have delivered their verdict on the athletes who made 2013 another great year for British sport.”
