Michael Lane, the final surviving member of the first British and Irish Lions side to tour after the Second World War, has died at the age of 99.
The sporting legend, referred to as "Mick", passed away at his home in Cork city on Remembrance Sunday, the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed in a statement.
Lane played 11 times for the iconic touring side, including featuring in two Tests in the 1950 tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Playing as a winger, he scored 11 times, beating Australia 2-0 and losing 3-0 to New Zealand.
The tours were the first since 1938, as they had been halted due to the outbreak of World War II.
Lane made his international debut for Ireland in 1947 against Wales in the Five Nations, aged 20, and went on to make 17 appearances.
He played in all four of Ireland’s matches during the 1949 championship when they clinched the title and Triple Crown.
After his six-year stint for his country, he made his one and only appearance for the Barbarians against Cardiff.
Mick Lane played 11 times for the British and Irish Lions
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Lane also represented University College Cork and was a student of CBC Cork.
The sporting legend, whose nephew Mike Kiernan was also a Lions and Ireland international, was inducted into the Rugby Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame in 2011.
His funeral mass will take place on Friday.
The IRFU said in a statement: "The committee and staff of the IRFU extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael (Mick) Lane, who had been Ireland’s oldest surviving Lion. He passed away on Sunday, at the age of 99."
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Michael Lane was the final surviving member of the first British and Irish Lions side to tour after the Second World War
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They added: "Capped 17 times by Ireland, the former University College Cork player passed away peacefully at his home in Cork city on Sunday.
"His funeral mass will take place this Friday (November 14) at 11am in the Church of the Real Presence, Curraheen Road, Cork city.
"UCC will honour their former player the following day at their annual Colours Lunch, ahead of their Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1B fixture against Queen’s University.”
Since the announcement, tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, showing their respect for the Irishman.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mick Lane, who has died at the age of 99.
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) November 10, 2025
Mick was @IrishRugby's oldest surviving Lion, and he passed away peacefully at his home in Cork yesterday.
Rest in peace 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/jgtReitofk
The British and Irish Lions social media account took to social media to wirte: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mick Lane, who has died at the age of 99."
"Mick was @IrishRugby's oldest surviving Lion, and he passed away peacefully at his home in Cork yesterday. Rest in peace"
Fans have left comments of "RIP", with one writing "a true Lions legend."
Another added: "Rugby’s heritage is built on people like him. May he rest easy."