David Flatman's Lions XV: A Bold Blend of Power and Flair

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David Flatman, a former England prop with 8 international caps, enjoyed a successful club career with Saracens and Bath.

Since retiring, he has become a leading pundit for TNT Sports, where his sharp analysis and entertaining style have made him a standout voice in rugby broadcasting.

Front Row Firepower

Ellis Genge (England)
A relentless ball-carrier and fierce scrummager, Genge brings aggression and leadership to the pack.

Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
An explosive hooker who thrives in open play and dominates at the set-piece.

Will Stuart (England)
A dependable tighthead prop with a solid scrummaging technique and work rate.

Locking It Down

Maro Itoje (England)
A world-class lineout operator and defensive powerhouse, Itoje's influence is unmatched.

Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
An emerging force with raw physicality and a growing reputation as a dominant enforcer.

Back Row Breakdown

Tom Curry (England)
A tireless tackler and breakdown menace, Curry's defensive work rate is off the charts.

Jac Morgan (Wales)
Brings a ferocious edge at the breakdown and excels in the contact area.

Caelan Doris (Ireland)
A complete back-rower who blends dynamism, intelligence, and physicality.

Half-Back Spark

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Quick service, sharp decision-making, and the ability to up the tempo when needed.

Finn Russell (Scotland)
The magician at 10, capable of unlocking defences with audacious passing and vision.

Midfield Muscle and Magic

Bundee Aki (Ireland)
A powerhouse centre with bruising carries and defensive solidity.

Huw Jones (Scotland)
A silky runner who offers creativity and a nose for the try line.

Electric Back Three

James Lowe (Ireland)
A powerful winger with a booming boot and lethal finishing ability.

Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
A wrecking ball out wide who thrives in broken play and one-on-one situations.

Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Versatile and composed under the high ball, with pace to burn and a strong kicking game.

EDITORS PICKS:

28 England players on Andy Farrell’s 75-man Lions watchlist

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there's no shortage of talent vying for a spot.

Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge

Ireland's Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland's Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales' Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis GengeBevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.

  • Andrew Porter (Ireland)
  • Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
  • Nicky Smith (Wales)
  • Ellis Genge (England)
  • Bevan Rodd (England)
  • Fin Baxter (England)

WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:

HE PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
  • 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
  • 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
  • 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
  • 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
  • 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
  • 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
  • Additional events to be announced

The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.

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Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position

Ireland's Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England's Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales' leading option.

  • Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
  • Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
  • Jamie George (England)
  • Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
  • Dewi Lake (Wales)

Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent

Ireland's Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England's trio of Will StuartJoe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland's Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.

  • Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
  • Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
  • Will Stuart (England)
  • Joe Heyes (England)
  • Kyle Sinckler (England)
  • Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites

Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George MartinOllie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland's Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland's Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales' strongest option.

  • Maro Itoje (England)
  • George Martin (England)
  • Ollie Chessum (England)
  • Courtney Lawes (England)
  • David Ribbans (England)
  • James Ryan (Ireland)
  • Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
  • Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
  • Iain Henderson (Ireland)
  • Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
  • Scott Cummings (Scotland)
  • Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine

Ireland's Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England's back-row options are loaded, with Tom CurryBen Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland's Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales' Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.

  • Tom Curry (England)
  • Ben Curry (England)
  • Ben Earl (England)
  • Sam Underhill (England)
  • Henry Pollock (England)
  • Jack Willis (England)
  • Tom Willis (England)
  • Caelan Doris (Ireland)
  • Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
  • Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
  • Jack Conan (Ireland)
  • Rory Darge (Scotland)
  • Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
  • Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
  • Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
  • Jac Morgan (Wales)
  • Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO


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