- Date of Birth15 / 08 / 1982
- Lions Tours2013, 2017
- International CapsIreland / Lions. Debut v New Zealand 2005
- Lions Origin SchoolsPortadown College
- Lions Origin ClubsBelfast Harlequins, Banbridge RFC, Ulster, Newcastle University, Barbarians, Newcastle Falcons
Rory Best enjoyed his second Lions Tour in 2017, having been called up as a replacement four years earlier, and, in a coincidental piece of timing, returned from New Zealand with an OBE for his services to rugby.
After being named in the initial 41-man squad for the 2017 Tour, the Ireland captain played a key role as the midweek skipper, leading the side out against both the Chiefs and the Hurricanes.
Best wasn’t utilised during the Test series against the All Blacks but received an OBE while out on Tour and could celebrate on the pitch with his son Ben after the game in the Westpac Stadium against the Hurricanes – his final game in a Lions jersey after a dramatic 31-31 draw against the reigning Super Rugby champions.
Best has been an Ireland international since 2005, but it was not until 2013 that the Lions came calling.
On that Tour to Australia, Best also did not break into the Test side but did make four appearances.
He started against the Western Force and the ACT Brumbies – captaining the side in the latter – while also coming off the bench against Combined NSW-Queensland Country and the Melbourne Rebels.
That means that Best finished his Lions career as a two-time tourist who made nine appearances in total in the famous red jersey and captained them on an impressive three separate occasions.