Finn Russell has named the England player he wants to play with on 2025 Lions tour, it's a surprise

The two fly-halves have often been at odds as the key playmakers for their respective nations, but during the pandemic-hit Lions tour to South Africa in 2021, they struck up an unlikely friendship.

Russell admits that while they "view the game differently," he discovered there’s more to Farrell than the fiery persona that dominates English rugby.

“We view the game differently so there would be a bit of a clash there, but we are good enough mates that we would get on with it,” said Russell at an event hosted by TNT Sports.

“We would have to find that balance between us, but he’s a brilliant player and I would love to play with him.

“I got on really well with Owen in 2021. I’d heard he was so focused and he was intense, but I didn’t see any of that at all. I thought he was quite chilled out. He was relaxed and I had a laugh with him.

“We have always had an interesting relationship when we have played against each other. At the start it was head to head but then recently, even before the Lions, it turned into a friendship.

“Before it was me against you and by the end of it, it was still me against you, but we could have a laugh while we were doing it.

“At the end I looked forward to playing against him, for his competitiveness but I liked the bloke. It changed as the years have gone on.”

Tour Captain: Jamie George (England and Saracens)

Starting XV: Andre Porter (Ireland and Leinster)

Replacement: Ellis Genge (England and Bristol Bears)

Non-Test: Pierre Schoeman (Scotland and Edinburgh)

We commence this almighty squad list with the loose-head props, as a trio of top talents will be staking their claims to be number one for the Lions. We begin our picks with the man regarded as being pound for pound the strongest professional rugby player, as Andrew Porter has previously recorded unbelievable squat rack lifts of 350kg. The Leinster man was unfortunate to miss out of the 2021 Tour to South Africa, having been previously selected by head coach Warren Gatland, only to suffer a toe injury ahead of the trip.

Our replacement loose-head option is a man that recently sat out England's 2024 Summer tour to New Zealand, as Ellis Genge has been battling back from the sidelines with a calf injury. The Bristol Bears front row saw out the season with the West Country side, but was forced to the medical bay to ensure he comes back stronger for the 2024/25 season. Genge would be chomping at the bit for an inclusion in the 2025 Lions tour, in what would be his first involvement in the famous red jersey.

We would love to hear cries of 'schooooeeee' echo from the Gold Coast to Perth, with our inclusion of Scotland and Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman amongst the loose-heads. The South African born front rower has been hitting career-best form in recent outings under Gregor Townsend, with solid scrummaging performances in the Rugby World Cup making him the go-to Scottish loose-head throughout the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Starting XV: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland and Leinster)

Replacement: Zander Fagerson (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

Non-Test: Finlay Bealham (Ireland and Connacht)

Ireland are spoiled for choice with top quality tight-heads, and we can see Andy Farrell picking two of his Irish talents when it comes to picking his touring Lions pack. Beginning with arguably the best number three in the world, Tadhg Furlong's recent clinic of scrummaging prowess in South Africa reminded the forward-proud Springboks on what the top Northern Hemisphere packs bring to the table. At 31-years-old, this could be the last chance to see the Leinster man in the red of the Lions, as he could become a three-time tourist and complete the trilogy of destinations.

Scotland's resident battering ram rounds up our touring props, as we expect to see Zander Fagerson get the go ahead for his second tour with the British & Irish Lions. Fagerson did not feature in the three Test matches against South Africa on the 2021 tour, but he did get on the pitch in the first fixture, and became Lion number 848, as he ran out against the Emirates Lions. This battle of the Lions was Fagerson's sole appearence and he remains officially uncapped in the red jersey, with the Scot hoping to change his favour and return from the Australia with a fetching new cap for the mantle-piece.

Supporting Furlong for Ireland, Finaly Bealham could well take up the same impact-player role that has brought him great successes in Andy Farrell's side. Exploding off the bench with his iconic cornrows blowing in the wind, Bealham never fails to up the tempo of Ireland's scrum and brings a powerful first step to any of his involvements around the park. The Connacht man was overlooked as a late replacement for the 2021 tour, as Kyle Sinckler was instead called-up as injury cover four years ago.

Starting XV: Jamie George (England and Saracens) (Captain)

Replacement: Dan Sheehan (Ireland and Leinster)

Non-Test: Dewi Lake (Wales and Ospreys)

We move on to the hookers now, with England captain Jamie George a comfortable pick to take the lead as the Lions first choice. The Saracen has grown into a tremendous leader of men since Steve Borthwick appointed him captain, following the exit of Owen Farrell last year. George has captained long been a leader at Saracens and has even captained the Lions once before, as he led the mid-week team against the Sharks in Durban, South Africa.

Warren Gatland preferred former Wales captain Ken Owens at hooker for the 2021 tour, with George's Test match experience in the red jersey coming against New Zealand in 2017. George is certainly in contention for the Lions' captaincy and is our pick to lead the tour, with plenty of conversations expected between Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick ahead of the solidified decision next year.

The two other options for hookers look to youthful exuberance, as Ireland's Dan Sheehan and Wales' Dewi Lake both play with a veteran's experience despite both being just 25-years-old. Starting with Sheehan, the Leinster man is a real try-scoring threat from the back of a rolling maul, and was an instrumental figure in Leinster's run to the Investec Champions Cup Final this past season.

Dewi Lake continues to grow as a leader, and recently captained Wales in the two match Summer series against South Africa. The Osprey is fighting off all teammates to the Welsh two jersey, after he battled back from a hamstring injury and missing the 2024 Guinness Six Nations. Whilst Ryan Elias and Elliot Dee both pose contention to the Wales hooker spot, the pair fall short when compared to Dewi Lake, who is our pick to be the third-string Lions hooker.

Starting XV - Maro Itoje (England and Saracens)

Starting XV - James Ryan (Ireland and Leinster) - (Vice Captain)

Onto the engine room of the 2025 Lions scrum, and we have opted for two men that could well be selected to lead the Lions as the tour captains. Both England's Maro Itoje and Ireland's James Ryan have put their hands up in contention for the armband, and we can see Farrell favouring his familiarity with Ryan to take a Lions leadership role. Ryan has been a pillar of the Leinster pack since his first appearence for the province in 2017, and was also an important voice in Ireland's 2023 and 2024 Guinness Six Nations title triumphs.

Itoje is amongst the first names on the team-sheet with his evergreen tenacity taking him back to his very best throughout the 2023/24 season. Itoje completed a marathon of matches throughout the latest campaign with Saracens and England, as he racked up a total of 33 fixtures, and was named to start in each and every one. The lock was at his barn-storming best on England's recent tour of Japan and New Zealand with key involvements including a try and countless turnovers against the All Blacks.

Itoje took his hosts to their very limit for the full 80 minutes in Dunedin, and we expect more of the same for his third tour with the Lions. Itoje rose to prominence as the youngest ever Lion upon the 2017 tour to New Zealand, as has grown into a formidable leader and match-winning lock for England and Saracens.

James Ryan is yet to experience the British & Irish Lions stage, but with 67 Ireland caps and counting the lock has been entrusted with leadership roles as well. With two real leaders of men packing down the engine room, expect some Alun Wyn Jones-esque team talks to fire up the pack.

Replacement - Dafydd Jenkins (Wales and Exeter Chiefs)

Taking the number 19 shirt of our selected match day 23, we hope to see Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins book a spot on the upcoming tour. Whilst we don't expect the Exeter Chiefs man to shift Itoje or Ryan out of a spot in the Lions Test match starting XV, Jenkins' leadership qualities bring the best out of his teammates, and the 6ft 7 21-year-old would make his presence felt in Australia.

Jenkins was unfortunate to miss out on the recent Summer tour against the Wallabies, as the fixtures were played outside of World Rugby's international window, and the Exeter Chiefs man had maxed out his on-field minutes for the season. The same happened to Jenkins' club and country teammate Christ Tshuinza, with the towering forwards unavailable for Australia. For a burst of adrenaline and uncontainable passion for the Welsh or Lions red jersey, Jenkins would be an exciting inclusion for Andy Farrell's plans.

Non Test - George Martin (England and Leicester Tigers)

Non Test - Tadhg Beirne (Ireland and Munster)

Non Test - Scott Cummings (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

Looking further at the depth charts for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour, and we've selected a trio of additional locks that could bolster the touring pack for the mid-week matches. Any paired combination of George Martin, Tadhg Berine and Scott Cummings would have a profound impact upon Australia's Super Rugby sides, with the three locks bringing different elements to the touring table.

Starting with Martin, there is no keeping secret what the Leicester Tigers man does better than anyone else on the pitch. Throwing caution to the wind with a reckless abandonment to his own safety, Martin puts in monstrous hits time and again, as he flys at the bodies of the heaviest ball carriers. Reminiscent of England's former Mad Dog Lewis Moody, Martin's tackling technique is second to none, and never fails to get a lift out of the Leicester of England faithful.

Tadhg Beirne brings an astute awareness of the intricacies at the breakdown, and is often seen taking the plaudits of an expertly timed turnover. A maestro when winning the ball at the deck, Beirne couples his 6ft 6 frame with the knowledge of rugby's 'dark arts', as the experienced 32-year-old knows how to steal the ball.

Scott Cummings has similar experience to Beirne, with the lock providing a commanding role at the set-piece for Scotland. The Glasgow man enjoyed an unforgettable 2023/24 season with his club, as the Warriors went all the way to win the United Rugby Championship, with Cummings critical to the pack's performance against the Bulls in Pretoria. Five starts in the 2024 Six Nations adds an abundance of international experience to the 27-year-old's resume, as he takes the torch from Gray twins in the Scottish second row.

Starting XV - Jamie Ritchie (Scotland and Edinburgh)

Non Test - Jac Morgan (Wales and Ospreys)

Onto the contenders for the fabled Lions back row, and we begin our breakdown on the blindside of the scrum. We've picked Jamie Ritchie to take the Lions six shirt, as the Scotland captain brings the awe-inspiring leadership to the pack, with plenty of big match experience coming in his 53 Scotland caps. Ritchie took over the role of Scotland captain from Stuart Hogg, after the fullback hung up his boots in October 2022.

Ritchie missed out on the 2021 Lions tour, with the likes of Sam Simmonds and Justin Tipuric preferred to the flying Scotsman. Now with Tipuric retired from Test match rugby, and Simmonds off his best pace after a slow season in Montpellier it could be time for Ritchie to take the spot upon the blindside. This would also see Ritchie surpass the beloved Scotsman Hamish Watson, for a place in the Lions squad. As much as it pains us, we see no place for the 'Mish' on the 2025 tour.

Another reason for the Watson exclusion, is the rising to prominence of Welsh back-row Jac Morgan. The Ospreys man was given the opportunity to lead his country throughout recent Six Nations and Autumn fixtures, and the young flanker did not let his countrymen down. Billed as the next heir to Justin Tipuric, Morgan is equally adept upon both flanks like his predecessor, yet does not done the iconic blue headgear of the Ospreys icon.

Instead, Morgan is out to cement his own legacy, with a stunning performance against England in the run up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup being his breakthrough in a Welsh jersey. Plenty of time has passed since Morgan's initial emergence, and the Jac Morgan could well be the back-up blind-side, should Andy Farrell confer with former Lions head coach Warren Gatland, on how Morgan has been impressing for Wales.

Starting XV - Josh van der Flier (Ireland and Leinster)

Non Test - Jack Willis (Ex-England and Stade Toulousain)

The openside flank is the first position to showcase an interesting loophole that is unique to the Lions, as despite being based overseas, Jack Willis could make his international return on the tour to Australia. The former Wasps man has been incredible for Toulouse, as he picked up the Top 14 and Investec Champions Cup title in an unforgettable 2023/24 season. Willis overshadowed an all-Ireland back-row in the Champions Cup Final, as his french club handed Leinster yet another loss in the tournament finale.

However, one element that Willis does not have that in our eyes is keeping him out of the starting Lions XV, is a lack of recent international experience. Willis last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but suffered an unfortunate injury towards the tail end of the tournament, that forfeited his place in the bronze medal final to Bath's Sam Underhill. We can see Ireland back row Josh van der Flier come in ahead of Willis, with the Leinster man routinly amongst the top performers, as Andy Farrell's Ireland achieved back to back Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024.

A third consecutive Six Nations title could well be on the cards for Ireland next February and March, as the men from the Emerald Isle looked like world beaters on their recent Summer excursion to South Africa. A win and a loss against the reigning World Champions South Africa, van der Fleir played an important part in his side's series draw against the back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners. With such a high standard set, Australia look like a side that van der Flier could dominate upfront, and Farrell would love to utilise his Irish heavy hitters.

Starting XV - Ben Earl (England and Saracens)

Replacement - Caelan Doris (Ireland and Leinster)

It was an incredibly close call to decide the starting number eight for the 2025 Lions, yet we've decided to opt for England's Ben Earl to take the jersey. A fully fit match day squad would then see Caelan Doris in the 20 shirt, with the game plan set for his involvement off the bench. This would then shift Earl across to the flank, with either Jamie Ritchie or Josh van der Flier departing in his place.

We've gone with Earl because the Saracen's white-hot form has continued to burn at a scorching heat, since it was ignited in the 2023 Six Nations. Comfortably amongst the England's top performers in each Test, Earl's drive to become the best player in the world has racked up consistently incredible displays, throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup, 2024 Six Nations, and more recently on tour in Japan and New Zealand. Earl went toe-to-toe with Ardie Savea in Dunedin and Auckland, and did not look out of place against the World Rugby Men's Player of the Year.

Contrastingly, whilst there is no denying the fact that Caelan Doris has been in superb form for Ireland throughout their recent Six Nations title wins, the number eight was a step off the pace for the recent Summer tour of South Africa, with his 'croc roll' offence taking the headlines over any top performances. If the match day squad was set to be chosen today, we would expect Andy Farrell to select Earl. Yet thankfully for Doris, the Leinster back row has little over 300 days to remind his Ireland coach of his very best, to earn the coveted British & Irish Lions number eight shirt.

Lock & Back Row Cover - Courtney Lawes (Retired England and Brive)

Back Row Cover - Aaron Wainwright (Wales and Dragons)

Never say never when it comes to the world of rugby. Just a matter of minutes after Courtney Lawes won the 2023/24 Premiership Rugby title with Northampton Saints, the legendary forward expressed how he would relish the opportunity to be apart of the famous touring team despite ending his England career.

Lawes spoke to the reporting media at Twickenham Stadium and said; “If I got another Lions call I would probably do that, I would get to complete the set, I have done two (New Zealand 2017 and South Africa 2021) and doing Australia, which is one of my favourite places to tour, would be cool.” However, question marks remain given the quality of Lawes opposition for the 2024/25 season, and whether he would be ready to return to Test match rugby after plying his trade with Brive in the French Rugby Pro D2.

Alongside Lawes, we have also left a space amongst the utility backs for Wales' battler Aaron Wainwright. Should Farrell be forced to pick between Lawes and Wainwright, you would expect the Dragon to get the go ahead, given the calibre of his opposition in the URC and with Wales at Test match level. Capable to cover both flanks and provide a battering ram option as a pick-and-go eight man, having Wainwright on the tour would add an insurance policy to Andy Farrell's loose forwards, once the injuries and fatigue of an exhaustive month overseas add up.

Starting XV - Ben White (Scotland and RC Toulon)

Replacement - Alex Mitchell (England and Northampton Saints)

Non Test - Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland and Leinster)

An area of top contention for the British and Irish Lions, the scrum halves have raised plenty of selection questions for their own countries, never mind when Farrell has to pick a combined squad from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Narrowly missing out on the trip in our opinion is Gareth Davies, as the Welshman falls to the fourth placed rung of the halfback tiers.

Ben White has been brilliant this past 2023/24 season, and showcased his ability to seamlessly slot in and led various back-lines throughout the 2024 Six Nations. The Scot was exemplary in his distribution to Finn Russell as Gregor Townsend's go-to scrum half, and carried this momentum back to Toulon, as the stars of the Top 14 weren't allowed time off throughout the Six Nations' fallow weeks. Such versatility will be prioritised by Andy Farrell, as the Lions only have so long together to gel, before taking on Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.

Ben White has elapsed Ali Price to the Scottish nine jersey in the past two seasons, with the halfback ready in our eyes to come into his own and lead the Lions' attacking line. Supporting White as the Lions' resident number 21 could be Alex Mitchell, as the Northampton Saints man wrapped up an impressive 2023/24 season with a Premiership winners medal. Mitchell's rise to become Steve Borthwick's first choice nine is an intriguing one, as the Saint capitalised on the World Cup vacancy left available by Jack van Poortvliet's unfortunate injury.

Mitchell has continuously impressed the England coaching staff, and has evolved into the sure-fire starter for Borthwick, following the international retirements of veteran nines Ben Youngs and Danny Care. We'd love to see Mitchell rewarded for his efforts with a Lions tour call-up, yet have to hand the starting jersey to his Scottish counterpart.

Travelling out to Australia to support the scrum halves is Jamison Gibson-Park, in the hopes that the Leinster man is able to make a full recovery from the Hamstring injury that kept him away from Summer tour to South Africa. The New Zealand born talent has kept the starting Irish shirt away from Conor Murray for the best part of four seasons now as he searches for his first trip with the British and Irish Lions.

Starting XV - Finn Russell (Scotland and Bath Rugby)

Replacement - Owen Farrell (Ex-England and Racing 92)

Non Test - George Ford (England and Sale Sharks)

Non Test - Jack Crowley (Ireland and Munster)

Now we move onto a position that was amongst the toughest to decide, as Andy Farrell has his hands full in selecting his fly halves for the 2025 Lions Tour. Whilst we understand that it is impossible to please everyone, we believe that this quartet of fly halves brings a well-rounded breath of versatility to the table for both the Test matches and exhibition fixtures.

Beginning with Finn Russell, we have chosen the self declared 'Lionel Messi of rugby' to be the Lions number 10, and take charge of the attack in his fabled style of offloading flair and kicking prowess. The flying Scotsman has been backing up his bold claims with incredible Six Nations performances for Scotland whilst also starring at Bath, as the blue black and whites reached the 2023/24 Premiership Final this past season.

An incredible talent and a definitive talisman for any team he's orchestrating, the number 10 for the Premiership Rugby Team of the Season, is our predicted starting fly half for Andy Farrell's Lions. We would be excited to see the Scot lead the line with his unique charisma, for the Tests against the Wallabies, Argentina and any additional combined countries that are thrown into the mix. Supporting Russell as the Test match replacement will surely drum up some controversy, as we can see Owen Farrell coming back to the international stage next Summer to provide an elite option at fly half and in the centre if necessary.

The former England skipper stepped down from the national set-up back in January, and has since solidified this exit by leaving Saracens in favour of a move to Racing 92. Whilst the son of the Lions head coach will not be experiencing the Test match stage ahead of a potential Lions call-up, there is no underplaying the incredible on-field attributes that Farrell can implement, with his six Premiership titles and three Champions Cups a testament to his success at Sarries, as Farrell could get set to complete his trilogy of Lions tours.

The back-up fly halves available at Andy Farrell's call are by no means a downgrade, as the talented duo of George Ford and Jack Crowley bolster the ranks for the non-test matches. The Sale and Munster men both bring dynamic styles of play to the Lions fold, and each possess educated feet capable of slotting a late winning drop goal.

Starting XV - Bundee Aki (Ireland and Connacht)

Non Test - Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

Onto the centres now, and there is a solid chance that the starting partnership for the Test matches will be an All-Ireland affair. With bountiful top centres populating the Irish ranks, Farrell has his pick of the bunch in preparation for the tour to Australia, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose our predicted picks for the 12 and 13 shirts.

Aki made his Lions debut on the 2021 tour of South Africa, with his only Test appearence coming in the final match of the series. The New Zealand born bulldozer has long been a stalwart of the Ireland midfield, stretching back to his first appearence for the Emerald Isle against the Springboks in 2017. The Connacht man was arguably Ireland's best player at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and was shortlisted amongst the top four to the World Rugby Player of the Year award, which eventually went to Ardie Savea of the All Blacks.

Also on the cards to travel to Australia amongst the inside centres, is Scotland's resident powerhouse Sione Tuipulotu. Whilst we haven't been able to squeeze in the second of the 'Huw-ipulotu' partnership, Huw Jones, Sione gets the go ahead as an all-round attacking threat that brings more than just an out-right power game. The Glasgow Warrior is an excellent reader of defensive structure, and understands how his stature draws in defenders. Tuipulotu often sends a subtle tip-off to a supporting carrier, which gives the 2023/24 URC champion an impressive arsenal of attacking options.

Starting XV - Garry Ringrose (Ireland and Leinster)

Non Test - Henry Slade (England and Exeter Chiefs)

Completing the All-Irish midfield for the Tests against Argentina and Australia, there are few better in the world right now in the 13 shirt than Garry Ringrose. The Leinster man is built like an Olympic powerlifter, but couples his strength with an explosive burst of speed that would give most track athletes a literal run for their money. Ringrose has become Ireland's 'not-so-secret weapon' in their two consecutive Guinness Six Nations titles, and ran out a stunning 80-minute effort in Ireland's triumph over the Springboks this past Summer.

Capping off the centres is the 2024 Premiership Rugby Player of the Year, Exeter Chiefs playmaker Henry Slade. There have been few 'returns to form' that mirror Slade's last 12 months, as the Chief took his Rugby World Cup exclusion in his stride. Slade improved in his down-time and led an inexperienced Exeter squad to an enjoyable run in Europe, as they claimed impressive wins over the likes of Munster and Toulon. Slade spearheaded the Chiefs attack with decisive match-winning penalties, whilst also returning to top form as England's starting outside centre.

Starting XV - James Lowe (Ireland and Leinster)

Non Test - Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England and Exeter Chiefs)

Slotting in on the left wing of our Test match Lions XV is James Lowe, with the Leinster man out to hit his top stride against the Wallabies, just as he has been for his province and national team. With 17 tries to his name in the 2023/24 season, Lowe continued to set the bar for the Northern Hemisphere's wingers, with his efforts including four tries in the successful 2024 Six Nations campaign. The former Maori All Black remains a cut above the rest upon the left wing, with an expected call-up in store for his first run with the British & Irish Lions.

In support of Lowe as the back-up left wing option, Manny Feyi-Waboso has made quite the name for himself in such a short space of time. A call-up to the 2025 British & Irish Lions would be the fast-tracked cherry on the cake for the Exeter Chiefs and England speedster, who was playing for Taunton Titans when the Lions last went on tour. Having become one of the most talked about Premiership prospects down in Devon, Feyi-Waboso made his England debut against Italy in the 2024 Six Nations, and continued his upward trajectory with three tries on the Summer tour of Japan and New Zealand.

RIGHT WINGERS

Starting XV - Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland and Edinburgh)

Non Test - Josh Adams (Wales and Cardiff Rugby)

Now, a matter of disclaimer is necessary for the next installment, as we understand that Duhan van der Merwe is in fact more predominantly a left wing. However, the South African born titan simply cannot be ignored, with his hat-trick hero performance against England in the 2024 Six Nations exemplary of what the Edinburgh man can do when he is at his very best. Unstoppable when he hits his top gear, the Scottish equivalent to the late, great Jonah Lomu has already been a Lion once before upon the 2021 tour of his homeland.

Van der Merwe has started on the right wing 15 times throughout his career, which spans the Bulls, Worcester Warriors and most recently in the Scottish capital. There would be outcry if the 29-year-old was left out of the Lions tour next year, and he takes a leading role in our squad selection. Wales wing Josh Adams is next up, in what was a very tough call between the Cardiff man and Northampton Saints flyer Tommy Freeman.

However, like van der Merwe, Adams has proven himself on the Lions stage before, and actually holds the record for most tries in a single match for the iconic touring side. Back in the 2021 tour of South Africa, Adams crossed over for an astonishing four tries against the Sigma (now Emirates) Lions of Johannesburg. Hopefully Adams is able to return to full fitness over the next 12 months and is back hitting his top gear with Cardiff, as he has been sufferring with a persistent knee injury since the Rugby World Cup.

Adams missed out on Wales' latest Summer tour to Australia, and stand-alone Twickenham fixture against South Africa due to the injury, as he emptied the tank in the URC and the Six Nations throughout the 2023/24 season.

Starting XV - Blair Kinghorn (Scotland and Stade Toulousain)

Non Test - Hugo Keenan (Ireland and Leinster)

Coming to the end of the Lions Test match starting XV now, with Scotland's sharpshooter Blair Kinghorn selected to round off the squad in the 15 jersey. It has been an exhilarating 12 months for the Scot, as he swapped the Scottish capital for Stade Toulouse mid-way through the season, and ended the year as a Champions Cup winner alongside fellow predicted Lion Jack Willis. The move to the Top 14 has only elevated Kinghorn's game, with the high-octane flow of the sunny South of France adding extra dynamism to his performances.

Staring in a stunning Toulouse back-three that also features French maestro Thomas Ramos and Italian pocket rocket Ange Capuozzo as fullback options, Kinghorn is certainly being pushed in training to keep his role within the Occitanie region's starting squad. Such prominence across the back-three has forced Kinghorn to develop as a wing, which only improves his option as an all-rounder for Andy Farrell's Lions.

Supporting Kinghorn as the secondary selected out-and-out fullback is Hugo Keenan, and the Irishman has recently enjoyed an excursion of his own to better develop his all-round game. Keenan took a brief break from rugby union, and embarked back into his previous life with the Ireland rugby sevens squad, for their run in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Ireland finished sixth overall after a heart-breaking knock-out stage exit to Fiji, with Keenan running lines out wide and cutting through the centre of the park.

Replacement - Fly Half & Fullback Cover - Marcus Smith (England and Harlequins)

Injury Support - Fly Half and Fullback Cover - George Furbank (England and Northampton)

The final two places on the plane to Australia goes to two England players, with both Marcus Smith and George Furbank out to provide appropriate cover at 10 and fullback. With four fly halves already selected for the trip 'Down Under', Smith has fierce contention and could well be relegated amongst the replacement ranks akin to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The hot-shot Harlequin looks like a suitable option for the 23 jersey, to elevate the attack with his brand of match-winning dynamism, and tap into that weaponry which defeated the Wallabies on the 2022 England tour.

There are various scenarios for Smith's inclusion as the Lions' versatile 23, beginning with an out-right swap at 10 or 15. If Owen Farrell was on the pitch, Smith could push the Saracen out to centre if a midfield replacement was required, and could be used to rotate the back three by moving the versatile Blair Kinghorn or Hugo Keenan out to the touch-lines. Whilst on paper the additional fly half looks like an overcrowded kicking contest, once the game plan is assessed the inclusion of Marcus Smith speaks for itself, especially given his prior success in Australia.

George Furbank takes up a similar role, yet the Northampton Saints man would be called into action as a 'first reserve'. Whilst it can be difficult for a player to travel across the world and tour with prior knowledge of minimal game time, a true professional like Furbank always puts his team first. Such selflessness and adaptability across the back-line has seen Furbank flourish for England in the past year, as Borthwick brought him back into the set-up after just two matches in two years under Eddie Jones.

Whilst Furbank recovers from a problematic back injury he sustained in New Zealand, there is plenty of time between now and the selection deadline for the 2025 Lions tour. When Furbank returns to the Saints, the green, black and gold back-line will be banded back together, as the reigning Premiership champions look to defend their crown, and impress Andy Farrell in the process.

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland and Leinster)

2. Jamie George (England and Saracens) (Captain)

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland and Leinster)

4. Maro Itoje (England and Saracens)

5. James Ryan (Ireland and Leinster)

6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland and Edinburgh)

7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland and Leinster)

8. Ben Earl (England and Saracens)

9. Ben White (Scotland and RC Toulon)

10. Finn Russell (Scotland and Bath Rugby)

11. James Lowe (Ireland and Leinster)

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland and Connacht)

13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland and Leinster)

14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland and Edinburgh)

15. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland and Stade Toulousain)

REPLACEMENTS

16. Dan Sheehan (Ireland and Leinster)

17. Ellis Genge (England and Bristol Bears)

18. Zander Fagerson (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

19. Dafydd Jenkins (Wales and Exeter Chiefs)

20. Caelan Doris (Ireland and Leinster)

21. Alex Mitchell (England and Northampton Saints)

22. Owen Farrell (Ex-England and Racing 92)

23. Marcus Smith (England and Harlequins)

PREDICTED 2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TEAM FOR NON TEST MATCHES

1. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland and Edinburgh)

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland and Leinster)

3. Finlay Bealham (Ireland and Connacht)

4. George Martin (England and Leicester Tigers)

5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland and Munster)

6. Jac Morgan (Wales and Ospreys)

7. Jack Willis (Ex-England and Stade Toulousain)

8. Aaron Wainwright (Wales and Dragons)

9. Alex Mitchell (England and Northampton Saints)

10. George Ford (England and Sale Sharks)

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England and Exeter Chiefs)

12. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

13. Henry Slade (England and Exeter Chiefs)

14. Josh Adams (Wales and Cardiff Rugby)

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland and Leinster)

16. Dewi Lake (Wales and Ospreys)

17. Ellis Genge (England and Bristol Bears)

18. Zander Fagerson (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

19. Scott Cummings (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

20. Courtney Lawes (Ex-England and Brive)

21. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland and Leinster)

22. Jack Crowley (Ireland and Munster)

23. George Furbank (England and Northampton Saints)