George Ford in the Lions Squad: Three Players Who Deserve a Call-Up
Rugby NewsMonday, 07 July 2025 at 09:50
.QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
After a bumper weekend of rugby, one question has everyone scratching their heads: what on earth was Andy Farrell thinking calling up his son, Owen?
Sure, Owen Farrell has been one of the best to lace up boots in the last decade – a true competitor, a tactical general, a leader of men. But replacing Elliot Daly? They don’t even play the same position.
On top of that, Farrell Jr has been far from his best this season. And with the likes of David Campese and Dan Biggar openly criticising the decision, it’s clear the rugby world isn’t buying the family reunion vibes.
So, if not Owen… who should
actually be on that plane? Here are three standout stars left watching from their sofas.
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1. FORD FUMES: THE 100-CAP MASTERCLASS THAT GOT IGNORED
Player: George Ford (England)
Verdict: Should have been the first name on the team sheet.
Verdict: Should have been the first name on the team sheet.
England’s demolition job in Argentina? That wasn’t luck – that was Ford in full flight. Marking his 100th cap, the fly-half silenced doubters with a ruthless, controlled performance that reminded everyone why he’s world-class.
A drop goal for nostalgia. A second-half blitz for drama. Leadership in spades. Yet still, no Lions jersey.
Andy Farrell picking his son over this version of Ford? Borderline rugby crime.
2. WILLIS UNLEASHED: THE BACK-ROW BEAST LEFT BEHIND
Player: Tom Willis (England)
Verdict: The bruiser who did everything right.
Verdict: The bruiser who did everything right.
Dropped during the Six Nations for Borthwick’s “three sevens” experiment, Tom Willis came back with a vengeance. Against Argentina, he was everywhere – smashing through tackles, stealing ball, making gain lines look like suggestions.
It’s not just Tom either – brother Jack, fresh off winning the Top 14 with Toulouse, is widely seen as the best back-rower in Europe. Two brothers. Zero Lions call-ups. Rugby fans everywhere are fuming.
3. SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED: GRAHAM'S SNUB HAS FANS RAGING
Player: Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Verdict: The fastest man not on tour.
Verdict: The fastest man not on tour.
If there’s one omission that truly shocked supporters, it’s Darcy Graham. The Scotland flyer is a human highlight reel – lightning quick, elusive, and absolutely lethal near the whitewash.
He’s just one try behind Duhan van der Merwe in the all-time Scotland charts – and yet, not Lions-worthy? Pull the other one.
Graham doesn’t just play rugby, he lights it up. His exclusion wasn’t just surprising, it was offensive
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?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
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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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