The back row debate
We’ve already mentioned Henry Pollock as a bolter, but he is one of a HUGE number of options Andy Farrell has to pick from in the back row.
For those who maybe don’t know, the back row is the number 6, number 7 and number 8.
There are a number of excellent options from all four of the represented rugby sides in the Lions, with names like Jac Morgan, Tom Curry, Josh van der Flier and Rory Darge all in contention.
England also have names such as Ben Earl, Tom Willis, Jack Willis, Ben Curry and Courntey Lawes, along with many others.
A real headache for Farrell.
A conundrum at 10
Finn Russell will be on the tour, and will probably start at fly-half, with the Scottish 10 being one of the best on the planet.
But, beyond that, it is unclear.
There has been speculation that Andy Farrell will pick his son, Owen Farrell, despite the former Saracens man not playing for England since his departure from the capital.
English fly-half Marcus Smith looked favourite to go as the second fly-half 12 months ago, but the emergence of namesake Fin Smith meant his fly-half minutes for England have been limited.
Irish fly-half Sam Prendergast is also in contention, although his defensive game has left a lot to be desired, but his attacking game is superb.
Fellow Irish 10 Jack Crowley is all but out of contention, and George Ford looks as though he could miss out on the tournament.
Lions bolter?
A “bolter” in rugby refers to a player who is inexperienced, overlooked and out of favour.
Well, look no further than Northampton Saints sensation Henry Pollock.
Prior to this season, Pollock had one Premiership appearance for the Saints, but now is one of the first names in Phil Dowson’s XV.
He scored two tries for England on his test debut in the Six Nations against Wales, and last weekend put on a show against Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris in Dublin, two great back row options.
He has shown he can mix with legends of the game, and every hurdle put before him he jumps over with ease.
As such, there have been calls for the 20-year-old to go to Australia, but will Andy Farrell pick him?
Captain Maro
Maro Itoje was given captain duty from fellow Saracens player Jamie George by Steve Borthwick for England ahead of the 2025 Six Nations.
Itoje thrived in the role, and helped England to retain the Calcutta Cup, score a famous win over France, and finish just behind the French when all was said and done.
Now, Andy Farrell is set to name him as the captain of his Lions side.
Irish captain Caelan Doris had been favourite to captain the tour, but an untimely injury in Leinster’s Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Saints meant he is all but ruled out of the tour.
Even with Doris, there were calls for Itoje to go on tour as captain, but reports last night suggest that Itoje will be named skipper today.
Time for the Lions!
Andy Farrell and Co will head down under this summer, taking on Australia in a three game series.
Farrell had coached Ireland to back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024, but his side fell short in his absence this year.
Coached by Simon Easterby in the 2025 Six Nations, Ireland came third, but are still expected to be well represented in the squad selection.
Easterby will join Farrell in the coaching staff, alongside former Irish fly-half Johnny Sexton.
England were the highest finishers of the four sides represented through the British and Irish Lions in the 2025 Six Nations, so expect a plethora of English talent in there as well.
Scotland are also expected to have a number of individuals in the side, but for the Welsh, a poor few years mean their representation may be few and far between.
Flanker Jac Morgan may have been in contention for captain after an injury all but ruled Caelan Doris out of contention, but reports suggest Maro Itoje will head down under as skipper.