Everyone at The British & Irish Lions are saddened to learn of the passing of former Lion Peter Dixon who has died at the age of 79.
A flanker who was part of our historic Tour of New Zealand in 1971, Dixon will be greatly missed by the entire rugby community.
Dixon made 15 appearances on the tour and it was the former Harlequins blindside flanker who scored the crucial try that allowed the Lions to draw the fourth Test and come away with the Lions only series victory in New Zealand to date.
Born in Keighley in West Yorkshire, Dixon made his name playing for Oxford University, appearing in four consecutive Varsity Matches from 1967 to 1970, before being called up to Lions duty the following year.
Dixon played in the Tour opener, against Queensland, before going on to start the first Test, in Dunedin.
The Lions emerged with a 9-3 win and Dixon was retained for the second Test at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, a fortnight later, which ended in a 22-12 defeat.
Dixon was a casualty of the defeat, missing the third Test, but returned for the final drawn Test as the Lions took the series 2-1.
After calling time on his playing days, Dixon worked in overseas development at Durham University, and at the University of Botswana’s Institute of Adult Education.
The thoughts of everyone at The British & Irish Lions are with Peter’s family and friends.
