Paul O'Connell names his five ‘certainties’ for 2021 Lions XV

He regularly appears on television and radio and is actively followed on social media platforms. His is an authentic and authoritative voice that engenders respect and genuine engagement across many audiences.

The 40-year-old revealed that his British & Irish Lions XV changes almost daily, but these five are who he thinks will almost certainly start in 2021.

“He has that kind of abrasive attitude as well and is very experienced as well in terms of taking on southern hemisphere teams, beating southern hemisphere teams. He obviously had that tough experience as well with South Africa in the World Cup so, as we are talking here, he springs to mind."

"He is still, for me, the best tighthead in the world."

“He is obviously a world-class athlete, he is a phenomenal second-row forward. I like watching him play. I’m surprised he doesn’t give away more penalties than he does but he is always pushing the limits around the ruck, around the offside line. Brilliant at collapsing mauls, brilliant at stopping teams mauling."

"He's took his game to another level again with Exeter. I hope this tour can be a redemption for him after what happened in 2017."

"He seems to keep getting better. I think they’re nailed on.”