The RFU are preparing to splash the cash again, with Steve Borthwick eyeing Saracens’ general manager Phil Morrow to fill the Strength and Conditioning coach role left vacant by Aled Walters, as reported by Mail Online.
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However, signing Morrow won’t come cheap. Premiership clubs have blocked him from a proposed job-share between Saracens and England, meaning the RFU would need to fork out for an expensive buyout to secure his services.
Aled Walters: Lions-Bound?
Walters, who left the England setup earlier this year, could be lining up a new gig with the British and Irish Lions. Head coach Andy Farrell is already plotting his plans for next year’s blockbuster series against Australia. Meanwhile, Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has yet to confirm if he’ll stick around beyond the tour.
Coaching Carousel in Full Swing
The coaching merry-go-round doesn’t stop there. The Mail has also linked Leicester Tigers’ Michael Cheika as a potential replacement for Warren Gatland as Wales head coach. With 2024 just around the corner, expect a flurry of announcements as rugby’s coaching dominoes start to fall.
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Bookies Reckon This is the Lions Squad for the 2025 Aussie Tour – And Some Picks Will Surprise You
BACK-THREE (6)
The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with Duhan van der Merwe and James Lowe bringing powerful running and finishing ability. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while Hugo Keenan and Darcy Graham round out the squad with their solid defensive skills.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
In the centre, Bundee Aki is a strong favorite for his physicality, while Ollie Lawrence has made a name for himself with his impressive form. Sione Tuipulotu and Robbie Henshaw provide additional versatility and experience.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
The fly-half selection highlights Finn Russell’s creativity and flair, with Marcus Smith and George Ford both showcasing tactical nous and playmaking ability.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- George Ford (England) – 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
A competitive scrum-half group sees Jamison Gibson-Park favored for his quick service and decision-making, while Alex Mitchell and Ben White are both strong contenders.
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10
PROP (3)
The front row is anchored by stalwarts like Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, while Ellis Genge and Joe Marler add depth and experience.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6
- Joe Marler (England) – 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4
HOOKER (3)
With Dan Sheehan leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play the Lions aim to adopt.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 1/10
- Jamie George (England) – 8/15
- Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5
LOCK (5)
In the locks, Maro Itoje remains a cornerstone, complemented by Tadhg Beirne’s athleticism and versatility.
- Maro Itoje (England) – 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11
- George Martin (England) – 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with Josh van der Flier and Courtney Lawes bringing a wealth of international experience and physicality.
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) – 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
- Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15
- Tommy Reffell (Wales) – 4/6
- Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4
Rugby World Cup-winning captains – can you name them all?
Out of these exceptional leaders, some have claimed the title just once, while others have done so on multiple occasions. Captains from nations such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa are part of the exclusive list of multiple-time champions.
We challenge you to identify all Rugby World Cup-winning captains across the tournament’s history spanning 10 editions.
