Back in 2017, The Telegraph predicted these four players would make the Lions squad for 2021...

Monday, 12 October 2020 at 10:28

bySteven Smith

Back in 2017, The Telegraph’s website gazed into their crystal ball and lodged their prediction as to which players would go on to make up the British & Irish Lions 2021 squad.

Normally we wouldn’t be so sniffy about rubbish predictions as viewed in glorious 20-20 hindsight (Christ knows we’ve cocked up enough of our own over the years!) but it’s the Telegraph, so…y’know…sod ’em!

Take a look of the squad they picked here.

1. Sam Warburton (Wales)

What they said: "Stepping down for the Six Nations brought him back to form as aplayer. Would be hard to leave out."

What happened since: The flanker hung up his boots soon after the tour as battered body finally broke down. It's fair to say the only capacity he will be touring with the Lions, could be in a coaching role.

2. Zach Mercer (England)

What they said: "On a sharp upward curve, Mercer has been outstanding for England U20 side this season as captain and was linked with a senior call-up for the Argentina tour. Fast, powerful, and only going to get better."

What happened since: The back-rower has won just two caps since making his England bow in 2018, with the sheer amount of competition for places across the back-row making a recall unlikely. The 23-year-old currently has very little chance of making the Lions squad.

3. Ryan Elias (Wales)

What they said: "Blooded for Wales against Samoa and Tonga this summer, the PRO 12-winning Scarlet is an exciting prospect."

What happened since: The hooker still finds himself behind Ken 'The Sheriff' Owens in the pecking order for Wales. With just 12 caps thus far, he will need to seriously impress in the next few months to play himself into contention for the Lions.

4. Harry Mallinder (England)

What they said: "His versatility, covering fly-half, centre and full back might be handy. Mallinder's progress at Northampton Saints over the next couple of seasons will determine his chances."

What happened since: A series of injuries in the last two seasons has seen him completely fall off of Eddie Jones' radar. Still uncapped, the 24-year-old has little chance of being in contention for a place in Warren Gatland's squad next summer.