Northampton Saints’ first-ever British and Irish Lion – Blair Swannell – will be remembered on the international stage this summer, as the Lions and Rugby Australia today announce that the Player of the Match award in their fixture against an Invitational Australia & New Zealand side in July will be named after the Saints great.
A member of Northampton’s Hall of Fame and Saint #64, Swannell featured for the Club 116 times after debuting in 1896 and is widely thought to be one of the most colourful and adventurous men ever to have played for Saints.
In 1899, he was selected to play for the British & Irish Lions against Australia – making him not only the Club’s first Lion, but first international. He toured twice with the Lions – to Australia in 1899, and to Australia and New Zealand in 1904 – playing in 32 games, and shares the record for most Test wins with Froude Hancock thanks to six successes in his seven Test matches.
After the 1904 tour he stayed in Sydney to teach at St Joseph’s College, playing regularly for local Sydney clubs and New South Wales, before he became the first Saintsman to play for the Wallabies in 1905 against New Zealand.
Having earlier served in the Boer War, when World War One came in 1914 Swannell joined the 1st Battalion, Australian Infantry and was promoted to the rank of major. Swannell landed on the first day of the Gallipoli Campaign on 25 April 1915 and was killed while leading his men that same day. He is buried there in Baby 700 Cemetery.
The Lions, Wallabies and Qatar Airways will recognise and honour Blair’s incredible service and his remarkable life story with the Blair Swannell Player of the Match, presented by Qatar Airways, that will be awarded to the standout player in the side’s final match prior to the first of three Tests during this summer’s Lions Tour in Australia.
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.”
