Despite not currently being available for Steve Borthwick’s squad, five England stars are catching the eye overseas and could potentially join the British & Irish Lions next year.
There’s a glimmer of hope for fans, as the Lions are open to selecting England players based in France, despite their current commitments abroad.
Ben Calveley, the chief executive, emphasised that there’s no policy closing off any player from selection, citing past instances where players not actively involved with their national teams made the Lions squad.
“We don’t have a policy that closes off anyone from being selected,” assured Calveley. “If you just look at previous Lions tours, we’ve had people come on a tour who haven’t been playing for a national side.”
As uncertainty surrounds their international future, it’s clear that English fans will have to exercise patience before seeing these five players back in the iconic white jersey.
#1. Courtney Lawes
Lawes retired from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup,but he made sure to make clear that he still sees starring for the Lions in his future.
With a year out in France to come, Lawes could earn himself a shirt and when someone with 105 caps comes knocking, it is hard to turn them down.
