Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions have unveiled the Blair Swannell Medal ahead of the AUNZ Invitational-Lions match on July 12.
Honouring the legendary forward who played for both the Wallabies and Lions, it will be awarded to the Player of the Match between the two sides.
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Swannell was the first man to play for both the Lions and Wallabies, invited to tour with the Lions in 1899 and 1904 to Australia and New Zealand.
The back-rower would stay in Australia and instantly joined the NSW team to face New Zealand the following year.
Later in 1905, he was selected for the first Australian team to travel overseas, to New Zealand, which they would lose 14-3.
Swannell also had a decorated military history, serving in both the British and Australian Army.
He would rise to the rank of Major in the Australian Army as part of the 1st Battalion that landed at Gallipoli.
It is here where he was killed in action on April 25, 1915.
“On the battlefield and sporting field, Blair Swannell holds a unique place in Australian and British history, having represented both nations militarily and in rugby," RA CEO Phil Waugh said.
“It is with deep honour and respect that Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions recognise Blair’s extraordinary life this Anzac Day – 110 years to the day since he made the ultimate sacrifice on the shores of Gallipoli – by commissioning an award in his name for this year’s historic Lions tour.
“The Player of the Match medal for the AUNZ v Lions match at Adelaide Oval will be awarded to the footballer who best exemplifies skill, courage and commitment, the very traits that defined Blair on both sides of the world.”
“Blair Swannell’s achievement of playing for both the Lions and Australia, as well as sharing the best winning Test record of any Lions player ever, is something that should be remembered and celebrated," Robert Swannell CBE, great nephew of Blair Swannell, said.
“So too should his service and ultimate sacrifice in Australian uniform at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, a day still remembered each year by so many Australians and New Zealanders.
“We are grateful to both the Lions and Rugby Australia for this recognition and as a family are excited to see one of the stars of the 2025 Tour be awarded a medal in Blair Swannell’s honour."
