Nine England players named on 36-man British & Irish Lions standby list

Thursday, 15 May 2025 at 19:56

byRugby Rucker

They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

With Andy Farrell finalising his 38-man British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, attention has quickly shifted to the players left on standby — and several English names feature prominently among the ‘next men up’.

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While the squad boasts a strong core of established Test stars and a few exciting bolters, injuries are inevitable in a gruelling tour. That makes the standby list more than just a formality; it’s effectively a shadow squad of contenders who could be one call away from boarding the plane.

Here’s a breakdown of the English players who are still in contention according to Planet Rugby — and the reasons why they might be Farrell’s first port of call if disaster strikes.

George Furbank – The Utility Back

With Marcus Smith and Blair Kinghorn offering full-back and fly-half flexibility, George Furbank’s own multi-positional value may count against him. But if a versatile playmaker is needed mid-tour, the Northampton man has the tools and temperament to slot in seamlessly. Farrell knows the value of adaptability — and Furbank fits that bill.

Owen Farrell – The Elephant in the Room

He may be Andy Farrell’s son, but Owen Farrell’s omission from the squad has been one of the biggest talking points. The Racing 92 playmaker hasn’t hit top gear since returning from injury, but his experience, leadership, and tactical mastery make him an obvious next-in-line if the Lions require a steadying influence at 10 or 12.

George Ford – The Nearly Man

One of the most talented players never to feature for the Lions, Ford was once again overlooked despite a strong season for Sale. But with his game management, elite kicking and international pedigree, he remains firmly in the frame should injury or form issues strike the fly-half group.

Alex Mitchell – Already on the Plane, but Who’s Next?

Mitchell is already part of the squad, but if he goes down, there’s a cluster of English No.9s waiting in the wings. The likes of Ben Spencer, Danny Care, or Harry Randall could come into the frame — though they appear further down the pecking order than Scotland’s Ben White or Ireland’s Craig Casey.

Tom Willis – The Powerful Option

Jack Willis is already in the squad, but his brother Tom has been outstanding for Saracens and Bordeaux. A wrecking-ball ball carrier and tireless defender, he offers something different in the No.8 jersey. With injury clouds hanging over Jack Conan and Caelan Doris, Tom Willis may get the call if another powerhouse is needed.

Ben Curry – Mr. Dependable

While twin brother Tom is already part of the squad, Ben Curry could easily step in if another openside is needed. Though less flashy than some of his rivals, his consistency, breakdown work, and defensive organisation make him a tempting option for Farrell’s coaching staff.

Courtney Lawes – The Veteran Wildcard

Yes, he’s now plying his trade in France’s second tier with Brive, but Lawes’ Lions experience and Test-hardened versatility across lock and blindside flank make him a player the selectors may not be able to ignore if things go awry in the back five.

Fin Baxter – The Future Loosehead

The Harlequins youngster has impressed this season and was unlucky to miss out. If there’s an injury at loosehead, don’t be shocked if Baxter is drafted in as a fresh, dynamic option with big potential.

Jamie George – The Hooker-in-Waiting

Perhaps the most surprising omission from the original squad, Saracens’ stalwart Jamie George remains a prime candidate to join the tour at any moment. A leader, set-piece general and veteran of the 2017 and 2021 tours, George would be an easy plug-and-play replacement.

David Ribbans – The Forgotten Lock

Now excelling at Toulon, Ribbans has flown under the radar due to his move to France, but his Top 14 form speaks volumes. With high work rate and strong set-piece credentials, he’d be a solid addition if the Lions lose a second-rower mid-tour.

Full British & Irish Lions Standby List

Outside backs

Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Blair Murray (Wales)
George Furbank (England)
Jimmy O’Brien (Ireland)
Josh Adams (Wales)

Centres

Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
Tom Jordan (Scotland)

Fly-halves

Owen Farrell (England)
George Ford (England)
Jack Crowley (Ireland)
Sam Prendergast (Ireland)

Scrum-halves

Ben White (Scotland)
George Horne (Scotland)
Craig Casey (Ireland)
(Multiple English scrum-halves under consideration)

Loose forwards

Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Tom Willis (England)
Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
Jack Willis (England)
(if ruled out, likely replaced)
Ben Curry (England)
Rory Darge (Scotland)
Tommy Reffell (Wales)
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Courtney Lawes (England)

Locks

Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Adam Beard (Wales)
Will Rowlands (Wales)
David Ribbans (England)

Front-row

Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Kyle Sinckler (England)
Fin Baxter (England)
Nicky Smith (Wales)
Jamie George (England)
Dewi Lake (Wales)

British & Irish Lions WAG's

Here's a look at some of the partners of the England, Irish and Scottish stars likely to be packing their passports — and maybe a Lions bucket hat or two...

Scotland:

Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)

Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.

Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.

Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.

Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)

Huw Jones and Annabel said "I do" in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”

When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.

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Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)

Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.

The couple made an appearance in Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.

Ireland:

Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)

Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.

Speaking to EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best... she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.

Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)

Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.

Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)

Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.

The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.

Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)

Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.

They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!

Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)

Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.

England:

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The Future Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

Mimi Fall is officially engaged to Lions veteran Maro Itoje after a jaw-dropping proposal during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi shared the news with a snap of her rock and the caption: “Mrs I to be.”

A professional model herself, Mimi’s been teasing fans with glimpses of the engagement party – though the wedding date remains on hold thanks to Maro’s jam-packed Lions schedule. Priorities, eh?

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”

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