Educated at Ballymena Academy, Northern Ireland, Willie J McBride was the boy from Ballymena who became the captain of Ireland and a British Lions legend.

During an international career which lasted from 1962-1975, Willie John played in a record 17 tests for the Lions and was capped 63 times, (12 as Captain) by Ireland. 

In an era when the robust physical play of the All Blacks and Springboks dominated, McBride was the only Forward from the Home Countries who was their match. 

Willie-John McBride, Ireland
During an international career lasting from 1962 to 1975, Willie-John McBride played in a record 17 Tests for the British Lions, a feat that in these days of three tests every four years will never be equalled and was capped 63 times (12 of them as captain) by Ireland.
Willie-John's outstanding leadership qualities led to his appointment as Captain of the 1974 Lions tour to South Africa. This was his fifth Lions tour and his team stunned the Springboks by winning the Test series 3-0 with convincing ease, with one match drawn. This was the first touring team to beat the Springboks in a four-match series in South Africa in 78 years. After retiring, Willie-John coached the Irish team and was manager of the 1983 Lions tour to New Zealand.
  

Back in McBride's era, rugby was quite different from the game today. While the essence of the game - 15 hard men fighting 15 hard men tooth and nail for the ownership of a little white ball is the same, the modern game's video cameras and sideline officials keep the punching, kicking, and headbutting to a minimum.
Back then, substitutions were allowed only when an injury forced a player off the field, and teams were permitted just two subs in a match. Toughness was as essential to a player's resume as speed, stamina, and strength.

It's 1975, and Willie John McBride's brilliant career is winding down.
The Irish national team (a combined squad of the Republic and Northern Ireland) is playing France, in Dublin, and it's McBride's last game on home turf. Ireland pulls off a dramatic win and, near the end of the match, McBride finishes his career with an emphatic flourish by scoring a touchdown, known as a 'try'- his first-ever in an international match. After he enters the end zone, the crowd envelops McBride and drapes an Irish flag across the big man's shoulders. In the eyes of the spectators, no single man better personifies the spirit and pride of Ireland. It's an emotional moment for all in attendance.