Injury Blow: England ace battling clock to make Lions tour after fresh setback

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 06:22

bySteven Smith

England full-back George Furbank has been ruled out of Northampton Saints’ Investec Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Leinster – and could now be facing heartbreak ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour this summer.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

❌ Still feeling the pain

The 28-year-old, who missed this year’s Six Nations after breaking his arm during club duty in South Africa back in December, made his long-awaited return on April 12 against Castres. However, it was short-lived – he came off the bench early, only to be subbed off again in the second half as pain persisted.

Despite his brief return, Furbank hasn’t recovered fully and won’t feature at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday – a major blow for Phil Dowson’s side as they face the Irish giants.

? Lions dream in jeopardy?

Furbank is still not ruled out of the summer’s Lions tour of Australia – or England’s summer Tests against Argentina and USA – but his selection chances now hang in the balance.

“George won't play this weekend,” Saints boss Phil Dowson confirmed. “He's struggling to get over that arm break and getting back into contact is hard for him. He keeps getting whacked and it's going numb. It’s very painful. I don't think that's unusual for an arm that’s been plated.”

? “Not a soft lad”

“He’s desperate to play, especially in a game like this,” Dowson added. “But it’s clearly too soon. He’s not a soft lad, but it’s obviously painful, and we don’t want to make it worse. We’re managing it conservatively – but time is running out.”

? Lions No.15 contenders

Furbank is one of several in the frame to wear the No.15 shirt for the Lions, though Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) is seen as the current front-runner, with Hugo Keenan (Ireland) also firmly in the mix.

Head coach Andy Farrell will reveal his Lions squad on May 8, and Furbank’s place now depends on a speedy recovery.

Asked if Furbank could still make the cut, Dowson said: “It’s week by week. I’ve asked the physio about 485 times if he can play – and every time it’s a no. I’ll ask again next week.”

Jim Telfer names 12 England stars in Lions squad – Marcus Smith misses out

The former Lions coach, who famously delivered the spine-tingling ‘Everest’ speech on the 1997 tour, opted for three players per position in a balanced selection for Scottish Rugby News.

And while some inclusions were expected, Telfer hasn’t been afraid to raise eyebrows, especially with some bold calls in the backline.

[elementor-template id="208937"]

Genge leads the English charge up front

Ellis Genge is a nailed-on pick at loosehead, joining Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Scotland’s Rory Sutherland.

Despite fitness concerns, Luke Cowan-Dickie is also included at hooker. There’s no England tighthead in the squad — a rare omission.

In the second row, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are both in, underlining their continued importance at international level.

Back-row packed with English muscle

Telfer has gone heavy on Englishmen in the back-row — naming Ben Earl and Tom Curry at blindside, with Ben Curry making the cut at openside alongside Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan.

There’s no room for Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill, or Alex Dombrandt, despite all being part of the England conversation at various points.

Surprise call-ups out wide

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the selection of Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck on the wing, with both making huge impressions in the Premiership this season.

They’re joined by Fin Smith at fly-half and George Furbank, who has quietly impressed, as one of three full-back options.

Alex Mitchell is the sole English scrum-half picked, with no room for Danny Care or Harry Randall.

No Farrell, Marcus, or Steward

Shockingly, there’s no Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, or Freddie Steward — three players who’ve carried the England backline for much of the last few years.

“Any selections should be based on the quality of the player,” Telfer told Scotland Rugby News.
“Not the name on the jersey. Some will disagree – but this squad can win in Australia.”

Full: Jim Telfer’s 45-man British & Irish Lions squad

Props
Loosehead: Ellis Genge (ENG), Andrew Porter (IRE), Rory Sutherland (SCO)
Tighthead: Tadhg Furlong (IRE), Finlay Bealham (IRE), Zander Fagerson (SCO)

Hookers
Luke Cowan-Dickie (ENG), Dan Sheehan (IRE), Dewi Lake (WAL)

Locks
Maro Itoje (ENG), Ollie Chessum (ENG), Joe McCarthy (IRE), Tadhg Beirne (IRE), Dafydd Jenkins (WAL), Scott Cummings (SCO)

Back Row
Blindside: Tom Curry (ENG), Ben Earl (ENG), Jamie Ritchie (SCO)
Openside: Josh van der Flier (IRE), Ben Curry (ENG), Jac Morgan (WAL)
Number 8: Caelan Doris (IRE), Jack Conan (IRE), Taulupe Faletau (WAL)

Scrum-halves
Jamison Gibson-Park (IRE), Alex Mitchell (ENG), Tomos Williams (WAL)

Fly-halves
Finn Russell (SCO), Fin Smith (ENG), Sam Prendergast (IRE)

Centres
Inside Centre: Bundee Aki (IRE), Sione Tuipulotu (SCO), Ben Thomas (WAL)
Outside Centre: Garry Ringrose (IRE), Huw Jones (SCO), Robbie Henshaw (IRE)

Wingers
Right Wing: Tommy Freeman (ENG), Darcy Graham (SCO), Tom Roebuck (ENG)
Left Wing: James Lowe (IRE), Duhan van der Merwe (SCO), Kyle Steyn (SCO)

Full-backs
Hugo Keenan (IRE), Blair Kinghorn (SCO), George Furbank (ENG)

QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

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?

[elementor-template id="208937"]

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?

Owen Farrell poised for 2025 Lions call-up after standout performance in front of his father

Freddie Steward reveals brutal reason for England axe and hits out at Smith at 15