Statement: England forward ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour

04/16/2025 05:08 AM

Leicester Tigers powerhouse George Martin is staring down the barrel of British & Irish Lions disappointment, with head coach Michael Cheika all but confirming the England lock won't play again this season.

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Six Nations Setback Snowballs

Martin, who limped off in the 62nd minute of England's Six Nations win over France at Twickenham on February 8, had been nursing a knee issue. But it's a shoulder injury that's ultimately ended his season early, ruling him out of any chance of a late push for Warren Gatland's squad.

Cheika Confirms the Worst

"George – I think you can almost put a line through him for the rest of the season," Cheika admitted during his press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Bristol. "It doesn't look like he will come back any time soon. We will always keep trying."

Lions Dream Fading Fast

When quizzed on what Martin's absence might mean for a potential Lions call-up, Cheika wasn't giving anything away. "I don't know about that bit," he shrugged. "I'd rather just talk about Leicester, and (you) make your own conclusions off that."

One to Watch… in 2026?

Still just 22, Martin has time on his side—but with this summer's tour looming, his chances of making the cut have taken a serious hit.

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Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup

With World Rugby's eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England's past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.

Here’s a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cupin Australia.

Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa

The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England’s midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.

With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa

Dan Kelly – England to Ireland

Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby's revised eligibility laws.

Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother

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