Five potential Lions replacements for Luke Cowan-Dickie

The Sale Sharks front-rower stayed down after a heavy contact, with medics rushing on to treat him. Play was halted for several minutes while he received attention, and Lions head coach Andy Farrell, alongside several of his staff, came over to check on him.

Cowan-Dickie managed a reassuring thumbs-up as he was stretchered off—a small relief for those watching.

Encouragingly, he was later seen walking unaided on the touchline and rejoining his Lions teammates, offering hope of a smooth recovery. However, return-to-play concussion protocols will sideline him for at least the immediate future, meaning Farrell will need to draft in a replacement.

Here are five hookers who could get the call-up:

A bruising ball-carrier and set-piece enforcer, Dewi Lake captained Wales to their first win in 18 months with a victory over Japan earlier today. The 25-year-old Ospreys hooker has been a consistent presence for Wales under Warren Gatland and brings leadership, physicality, and a warrior mentality.

A product of the Welsh U20s system, Lake has earned a reputation as a player who thrives in high-intensity battles—ideal Lions material.

Veteran experience, leadership, and reliability—Jamie George has it all. The England co-captain has been central to Steve Borthwick’s setup and remains one of the most consistent hookers in world rugby.

A two-time Lions tourist (2017 & 2021) with over 100 England caps, George would bring calm authority and world-class set-piece work to the Lions squad if called upon.

The livewire from Saracens, Theo Dan offers a very different profile—explosive, dynamic, and constantly involved. At just 24, he’s already featured heavily for England and continues to grow in stature with each Test.

Fearless around the park and a real threat in broken play, Dan’s athleticism and hunger could give Farrell a game-breaking option off the bench or in rotation.

A more under-the-radar option, but Gus McCarthy is someone Farrell knows well. The young Leinster hooker captained Ireland U20s and has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to his technical precision and strong rugby IQ.

Farrell has already shown trust in youth—calling up Jamie Osborne earlier this week. McCarthy could follow suit if the Lions boss wants someone embedded in his system.

Despite Scotland’s defeat to Fiji earlier today—and a yellow card to his name—Ewan Ashman was one of the brighter sparks in a tough outing. The Edinburgh hooker is tough, tenacious, and never shy of contact.

Born in Canada but raised in England, Ashman has 22 caps for Scotland and is known for his abrasive style, strong scrummaging, and energy around the fringes.

Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?

You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!