"Going to Excel" - 'Immense' Henry Pollock and Marcus Smith backed to star on Lions by Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts

Two British & Irish Lions legends have voiced strong support for a pair of English talents, who they expect will shine upon the upcoming trip to Australia. Brian O'Driscoll identified the meteoric rise of Henry Pollock as one for the fans to keep an eye on, whilst Jamie Roberts is excited to see Marcus Smith tear into the Wallabies once again.

Plenty has already been said about the incredible rise through the ranks for 20-year-old Henry Pollock. Just a matter of weeks after running out for the England U20s, the back row earned his England Test debut in the final round of the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations. Stardom followed with his eye-catching celebrations, as he scored twice upon his maiden international run out against Wales.

Pollock's journey continued as he played a pivotal role in getting Northampton Saints to the 2025 Investec Champions Cup Final, with a stand-out performance coming against Leinster in the semi-final. Whilst O'Driscoll's Dublin allegiances would likely have seen him rue's Pollock name as Leinster were eliminated from Europe, yet the Ireland legend did not hold back on the excitement surrounding the young back row.

“Seeing players like Henry Pollock, his emergence over the course of the last six months has been immense." O'Driscoll said. "For him, getting capped for England in March and now all of a sudden he's been playing in a European Final, and now he's going on a Lions tour. What a rise to a claim that he has achieved, in a short period of time. So him, he's one of a number of players that are really going to excel on this tour,” said O’Driscoll.

Pivoting to one of the halfbacks selected for the tour, and Marcus Smith is poised for his second run in the iconic red jersey of the Lions. Former Wales centre and Jamie Roberts expressed his excitement at seeing Smith back out on the Test match stage, with a favourable track set to unleash the Harlequin against Joe Schmidt's Wallabies.

"Australia are on a serious upward curve at the minute,” said Jamie Roberts, setting the scene for a fiercely competitive tour. “Going on his second tour, (Marcus Smith) an exciting player, on the hard tracks down under, it's going to be one to watch.”

Smith’s development from a late call-up on the 2021 South Africa tour to a pivotal figure for England and Harlequins has been impressive. Known for his creativity, sharp decision-making, and ability to unlock defences, Smith is especially suited to the fast, open conditions expected in Australia.

Roberts’ remarks underline the belief that Smith could be instrumental in shaping the Lions’ attacking approach, offering a dynamic and exciting option at fly-half alongside his countrymen Fin Smith and Scotsman Finn Russell. As Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Roberts have pointed out, Pollock and Smith are poised to shine and help define what promises to be an exhilarating series down under.