- Date of Birth05 / 05 / 1931
- Died14 / 08 / 2003
- Lions Tours1955
- International CapsIreland / Lions
- Lions Origin SchoolsRBAI
- Lions Origin ClubsQueen's University RFC, Ulster, Warrington Wolves RL, Barbarians, London Irish, Instonians
Robin Thompson was deemed by some to be a surprise choice as captain for the Lions Tour to South Africa in 1955.
But the Ireland lock – who made his debut for the men in green in 1951 – was a key cog in the engine room as they drew the four-Test series with the Springboks 2-2.
He started the first Two Tests, missed the third through injury but returned for the fourth and final clash.
Overall the lock made 15 appearances on the Tour, scoring one try in their victory over Orange Free State but he switched to rugby league and Warrington a year after that Tour before illness forced his early retirement.