4 Players Who Could Miss the 2025 Lions Tour – It’s Not Looking Good
Rugby NewsTuesday, 01 April 2025 at 07:13
The British & Irish Lions tour is the pinnacle of rugby for players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—but for some big names, injury could spell disaster.
With Andy Farrell set to name his squad on May 8, time is running out for these four stars to prove their fitness and book their ticket to Australia.
Duhan van der Merwe – A Race Against Time
Edinburgh fans—and British & Irish Lions selectors—are holding their breath after Duhan van der Merwe suffered an ankle injury that could put his tour hopes in serious jeopardy.
The 29-year-old try machine limped off early during Edinburgh’s United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons and has been seen in a moon boot ever since. Scans were carried out on Monday, but Edinburgh boss Sean Everitt is keeping his cards close to his chest.
“He’s in a boot. We can’t see the damages yet,” Everitt admitted. “There’s some soreness and swelling this morning, but we should know more soon.”
Van der Merwe played through ankle issues during the Six Nations, but this latest setback comes at the worst possible time, with the Lions squad announcement set for May 8. Having featured on the 2021 tour, he was widely tipped for a return—but now, the clock is ticking.
Lions History Lesson: Van der Merwe was the top try-scorer on the 2021 tour of South Africa with five tries.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Surgery Seals His Fate?
Feyi-Waboso’s hopes of a Lions debut have taken a huge hit after the Exeter winger finally underwent surgery on his dislocated shoulder.
After initially delaying the operation in the hope of a quicker return, the 21-year-old ultimately went under the knife in February. The recovery timeframe? 12 to 14 weeks—leaving him in a tight spot with just three months until the Lions depart for Australia.
While Feyi-Waboso burst onto the international scene with England during the Six Nations, he now faces an uphill battle to prove his fitness in time for selection. With a host of wingers—including Anthony Watson, Tommy Freeman, and James Lowe—vying for spots, his absence from club rugby could cost him dearly.
Did You Know? Feyi-Waboso balanced rugby with medical studies at Cardiff University before turning professional full-time.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE 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.
Sione Tuipulotu – A Quick Healer or Out of Time?
Scotland’s midfield maestro Sione Tuipulotu is up against the clock. The Glasgow centre missed the entire Six Nations after a ‘freak’ pectoral injury in training, but head coach Franco Smith is confident he’ll return before the season’s end.
“He’ll be back, I’ve got no doubt about that,” Smith declared. “He’s a quick healer and he’s been diligent with his rehab.”
Before the injury, Tuipulotu was a nailed-on Lions candidate. His electric form for Scotland in the autumn made him one of the first names on fantasy Lions squads. But with Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, and even Scotland teammate Tom Jordan playing themselves into contention, Tuipulotu has a serious fight on his hands.
Lions Trivia: The last Glasgow Warriors player to start a Lions Test? Stuart Hogg in 2021.
Ollie Lawrence – Achilles Blow Ends His Lions Dream
One player already ruled out is England’s Ollie Lawrence. The dynamic centre’s season is officially over after he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during England’s win over Italy in the Six Nations.
Head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed the grim news in his post-match press conference, revealing that Lawrence faces a recovery time of nine to twelve months—far longer than the three months left before the Lions tour begins.
Lawrence took to social media, writing: “Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback.”
With Lawrence sidelined, the Lions’ midfield puzzle just got even more interesting, with Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade, and Joe Marchant all eyeing up a spot on the plane.
Did You Know? Lawrence made his England debut at just 21 years old against Italy in 2021.
You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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