Five bolters who could make Andy Farrell's British & Irish Lions squad
03/29/2025 04:57 AM
With the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia on the horizon, Andy Farrell will already have a good idea of his core squad.
However, every Lions tour throws up a few surprises — those unexpected names who force their way into the conversation with standout performances and undeniable potential.
Here are five players who could make a late surge into the squad and punch their ticket Down Under.
Henry Pollock (England)
England's young openside sensation
Henry Pollock might not yet be a household name, but that could change very quickly. The Northampton Saints flanker has been turning heads with his all-action performances and ability to wreak havoc at the breakdown. Pollock's knack for sniffing out turnovers and his relentless work rate make him a nightmare for opposition teams.
Still young, but with a rapidly rising stock, Pollock's fearless approach and natural instincts at the breakdown could provide Farrell with a raw but exciting option in the back-row. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could easily be a surprise inclusion for the Lions.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE 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.
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Wales' next great leader in waiting
Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter believes Dafydd Jenkins is destined to wear the famous red jersey of the Lions, and that moment could come sooner than expected. The 22-year-old lock might have been part of a struggling Wales side during the Six Nations, but his individual performances stood out.
Jenkins has the size, work rate, and leadership qualities that scream Lions material. He thrives in the engine room, where his physicality in the tight exchanges and his ability to disrupt opposition mauls make him a menace. With Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne expected to lead the lock options, Jenkins offers a young, hungry alternative who could thrive in the brutal environment of a Test series.
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Scotland's relentless back-row enforcer
The back-row battle for Lions spots is always fiercely contested, but Jamie Ritchie's performances during the Six Nations have propelled him into the conversation. The Scottish flanker showcased his class throughout the tournament, growing in influence as the rounds went by.
Ritchie brings a unique blend of aggression, breakdown expertise, and tireless work ethic that makes him an ideal fit for a Lions tour. He's a traditional blindside flanker who thrives in the tight exchanges but is also capable of disrupting opposition ball and contributing as a key link player. Farrell will need warriors who can go the distance, and Ritchie fits the bill perfectly.
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