“It’s mental, I don’t get it at all,” said the ex-Harlequins fullback, who sits fourth on the Premiership’s all-time appearance list with 280 games.
“I don’t know what more Ollie Hassell-Collins can do; I can’t speak highly enough about him.”
“I love Richard Wigglesworth, so I am not sitting here bagging their selection or anything like that; they’ll have their own reasons, and for what it is worth, I think Richard Wigglesworth is going to be an incredible head coach one day.
“Steve (Borthwick), I had as a head coach, so I am not bagging either of them.
“But I can’t understand why Ollie Hassell-Collins is not in there. There is no other winger in England doing what he has done this year in the Premiership.”
“He is the Premiership top try-scorer (12), so he is obviously a finisher.
“But look at his all-round game — he is unbelievable under the high ball; he is a great left-foot kicking option; his defence has been unbelievable this year; he is a big old unit.
“So I can’t believe that he is not in there, with the full set of skills he has got and the finishing ability he has got.”
EDITORS PICKS:
British & Irish Lions Predicted Lineup: Odds for Starting XV vs Wallabies
Front Row
A powerful and versatile prop, Porter is known for his scrummaging strength and work rate around the park.
Dynamic and athletic hooker with strong carrying ability and solid set-piece skills.
A world-class tighthead prop with superb scrummaging technique, ball-handling skills, and a strong presence in both attack and defence.
Second Row
World-class lock renowned for his lineout dominance, breakdown pressure, and leadership qualities.
A highly skilled and mobile lock/flanker hybrid, Beirne excels at turnovers and offers great versatility.
Back Row
Hard-hitting flanker with a high tackle count and breakdown expertise; a relentless competitor.
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier combines work rate, speed, and breakdown prowess.
Explosive back-row forward with dynamic ball-carrying and strong support play.
Half-Backs
A sharp, quick-thinking scrum-half who dictates tempo and brings pace to the game.
Creative and unpredictable fly-half known for his vision, flair, and pinpoint passing and kicking.
Centres
A physical, direct inside centre with powerful running lines and strong defensive skills.
A classy outside centre with attacking instincts, speed, and a nose for the try line.
Back Three
Towering and powerful winger who’s a constant threat with ball in hand.
Energetic winger with a booming boot, strong defence, and attacking creativity.
Tall, athletic fullback with strong counter-attacking ability and a reliable kicking game.
? Full Fixture List – British & Irish Lions Tour 2025
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 20 June | Lions vs Argentina | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| Sat 28 June | Western Force vs Lions | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Wed 2 July | Queensland Reds vs Lions | Lang Park, Brisbane |
| Sat 5 July | NSW Waratahs vs Lions | Sydney Football Stadium |
| Wed 9 July | ACT Brumbies vs Lions | Canberra Stadium, Canberra |
| Sat 12 July | AU & NZ Invitational XV vs Lions | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Sat 19 July | Australia vs Lions (1st Test) | Lang Park, Brisbane |
| Tue 22 July | First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne |
| Sat 26 July | Australia vs Lions (2nd Test) | MCG, Melbourne |
| Sat 2 August | Australia vs Lions (3rd Test) | Stadium Australia, Sydney |
