Andy Farrell confirms new player will join the Lions squad on Monday

byRugby Rucker

Blair Kinghorn might be packing his boots for the British & Irish Lions, but on Saturday night, all he had on was a pair of red-and-black swim briefs, a cold beer, and a Top 14 winner’s medal. Priorities.

The Scottish star helped Toulouse clinch a record 24th French Top 14 title in a 39–33 thriller against Bordeaux-Bègles that went the full 100 minutes. A marathon match. And yes, he played every single second.

Lions, Luggage & Last-Minute Realisations

As the Lions kicked off their tour Down Under, Kinghorn was still very much up top in France, grinding out glory.

“I’ve been so focused on Toulouse stuff that I’ve not really thought about it too much,” he confessed, poolside, pint in hand. “It feels a bit weird, to be honest.”

Only in the last 48 hours, as his suitcase stared accusingly from the corner of the room, did reality bite. “It’s like, all right, I’m heading out there now.”

He'll link up with the Lions in Sydney next Saturday against the Waratahs. Timing’s everything.

Toulouse Tales: Not Perfect, Just Champion

For all their dominance this season—record points, league leaders—Toulouse had unfinished business. A Champions Cup exit at the hands of Bordeaux still stung. This win? Revenge. And redemption.

“That one feels sweet,” said Kinghorn. “Stats are great, but if you don’t win, it’s not a successful season. I’m over the moon, it’s amazing.”

Cue confetti. And swim briefs.

Willis Wondering: No Cap, No Call-Up

Jack Willis, Kinghorn’s Toulouse teammate and all-action England flanker, was notably absent from the Lions squad—despite tearing it up in the Top 14.

“I think he’s been playing unbelievable rugby,” Kinghorn said. “But he was a realist. He knows there’s a lot of competition, and he’s not playing international rugby.”

Still, don’t rule out a cameo. “If there’s an injury, he could get called up—he’s in great form.”

Paris to the Pacific

Kinghorn lands in Sydney on Monday. A battered body, a full heart, and a suitcase full of winners’ vibes. While others dream of Lions tours, he’s living one—via France’s fiercest battleground.

"Absolute Disaster" - Four Lions players who flopped against Western Force

Here are four Lions who failed to fire, with scores and quotes from the top rugby outlets.

1. Tadhg Beirne –

RUCK 5 | RugbyPass 6 | Express 5

RUCK: “He really struggled up against the Forces’ pace to the game and gave away some silly penalties in and around the breakdown.”

RugbyPass: “Busy in the tight but appeared to be on the wrong side of Ben O’Keeffe’s whistle early on, giving away two breakdown penalties.”

Express: “Needless penalties in first half before being replaced in second.”

Beirne’s move to the back row didn’t pay off. He looked off-rhythm early and conceded costly penalties that gave the Force momentum. Not the kind of calm leadership expected from such an experienced Lion. Discipline will be non-negotiable in the Tests — and Beirne knows it.

2. Pierre Schoeman –

RUCK 5 | Planet Rugby 5 | Telegraph 4

RUCK: “Really struggled under the pressure at the scrum... a passenger struggling with the Forces’ physicality.”

Planet Rugby: “Struggled in the scrums but was busy around the park.”

Telegraph: "The Force put the Lions scrum under serious pressure which leaves his position vulnerable after Ellis Genge’s strong performance last week."

Schoeman found the going tough up front, especially in the first half. He offered his usual work rate in loose play, but the Force repeatedly got the better of him at the scrum — and that pressure filtered through the Lions' entire pack. Didn't show the presence he had against Argentina.

3. Tadhg Furlong –

RUCK 5 | Planet Rugby 5 | Telegraph 4

RUCK: “Struggled in the physicality department… lost the battle at set piece and was on the back foot for the majority of the game.”

Planet Rugby: “Not nearly as dominant in the scrums as he was a week ago… managed to get through a decent amount of defence work.”

Telegraph: "Would have hoped for a more dominant performance against a converted loosehead in Tom Robertson. Got through a lot of tackles and some soft hands in phase play."

Another surprise dip. Furlong, usually a reliable anchor at the set piece, had an unusually shaky night. While his hands and defence were solid, the Lions needed dominance — not damage control — from the veteran tighthead. He’ll be under pressure to bounce back quickly.

4. Scott Cummings –

RUCK 4 | RugbyPass 5.5 | Express 5 | Balls.ie 5

RUCK: “At the forefront of the Lions’ biggest Achilles heel, which was kick-off restarts… maybe played himself out of test contention.”

RugbyPass: “Failed to reclaim the restart… and the second-half kick-off too.”

Balls.ie: “Targeted for restarts and struggled there.”

Express: “Line-out worked but didn’t see much carrying.”

Telegraph: "An absolute disaster at the restarts where he was mercilessly targeted by the Force."

A frustrating night for the Scottish lock. Missed two restarts — one of which directly led to the Force’s only try — and gave away a soft penalty near his own line. Made plenty of tackles, but his aerial work and general impact left a lot to be desired. A golden opportunity missed.

QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?