613Finlay Calder Profile Image
613

FinlayCalder

Back Row
Age67
  • Date of Birth20 / 08 / 1957
  • Lions Tours1989
  • International CapsScotland / Lions
  • Lions Origin SchoolsStewart's Melville College Edinburgh
  • Lions Origin ClubsHaddington, Edinburgh and District, Barbarians, Heriots, Melrose, Stewart's Melville FP

Finlay Calder holds a unique place in Lions history as the only 20th century captain to lead the team to a series victory after losing the opening Test.

In 1989, the Scotland flanker was a crucial influence in the second Test against Australia, the winning of which squared the series and gave the Lions the momentum to clinch overall victory in the decider.

Having made his international debut in 1986, Calder made history three years later by following his brother Jim, a 1983 Lion, into the red jersey, making them the only twins to have played for the Lions.

Finlay travelled to Australia as captain and although a hamstring injury had hampered his early form, he proved his value to the side with a dynamic, destructive display against Queensland.

Calder's steely gaze rebuffed all attempts to unsettle his men ahead of the last two Tests and he and his side had the final word in Sydney when they coolly overcame the Wallaby pack to lay the foundations for their historic series victory.