Statement: England forward ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 at 10:08

byRugby Rucker

Leicester Tigers powerhouse George Martin is staring down the barrel of British & Irish Lions disappointment, with head coach Michael Cheika all but confirming the England lock won’t play again this season.

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Six Nations Setback Snowballs

Martin, who limped off in the 62nd minute of England’s Six Nations win over France at Twickenham on February 8, had been nursing a knee issue. But it’s a shoulder injury that’s ultimately ended his season early, ruling him out of any chance of a late push for Andy Farrell’s squad.

Cheika Confirms the Worst

“George – I think you can almost put a line through him for the rest of the season,” Cheika admitted during his press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Bristol. “It doesn’t look like he will come back any time soon. We will always keep trying.”

Lions Dream Fading Fast

When quizzed on what Martin’s absence might mean for a potential Lions call-up, Cheika wasn’t giving anything away. “I don’t know about that bit,” he shrugged. “I’d rather just talk about Leicester, and (you) make your own conclusions off that.”

One to Watch... in 2026?

Still just 22, Martin has time on his side—but with this summer’s tour looming, his chances of making the cut have taken a serious hit.

Duhan van der Merwe Among Four Major Doubts for Lions Tour in Devastating Blow

The British & Irish Lions tour is the pinnacle of rugby for players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—but for some big names, injury could spell disaster.

With Andy Farrell set to name his squad on May 8, time is running out for these four stars to prove their fitness and book their ticket to Australia.

Duhan van der Merwe – A Race Against Time

Scotland’s record-breaking winger Duhan van der Merwe is facing a race against time to be fit for the British & Irish Lions tour – and things aren't looking great.

The 29-year-old powerhouse, who has crossed the whitewash an incredible 32 times in just 49 Tests, picked up an ankle injury early in Edinburgh’s recent United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons.

While the club has stayed coy about the full extent of the damage, they revealed on Tuesday night that Van der Merwe is “expected to return during May” following MRI scan results earlier in the week.

That timeline means the big man is almost certain to miss the rest of Edinburgh’s run-in – somewhere between three and five matches depending on their European Challenge Cup fate – just as Lions boss Andy Farrell prepares to finalise his touring squad.

Having started all three Tests on the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa, Van der Merwe looked a near-certainty once upon a time. But with Ireland’s deadly duo James Lowe and Mack Hansen, England flyer Tommy Freeman, and his Edinburgh teammate Darcy Graham all in electric form, his chances are slipping fast.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Surgery Seals His Fate?

Feyi-Waboso’s hopes of a Lions debut have taken a huge hit after the Exeter winger finally underwent surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

After initially delaying the operation in the hope of a quicker return, the 21-year-old ultimately went under the knife in February. The recovery timeframe? 12 to 14 weeks—leaving him in a tight spot with just three months until the Lions depart for Australia.

While Feyi-Waboso burst onto the international scene with England during the Six Nations, he now faces an uphill battle to prove his fitness in time for selection. With a host of wingers—including Anthony Watson, Tommy Freeman, and James Lowe—vying for spots, his absence from club rugby could cost him dearly.

Did You Know? Feyi-Waboso balanced rugby with medical studies at Cardiff University before turning professional full-time.

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Sione Tuipulotu – A Quick Healer or Out of Time?

Scotland’s midfield maestro Sione Tuipulotu is up against the clock. The Glasgow centre missed the entire Six Nations after a ‘freak’ pectoral injury in training, but head coach Franco Smith is confident he’ll return before the season’s end.

“He’ll be back, I’ve got no doubt about that,” Smith declared. “He’s a quick healer and he’s been diligent with his rehab.”

Before the injury, Tuipulotu was a nailed-on Lions candidate. His electric form for Scotland in the autumn made him one of the first names on fantasy Lions squads. But with Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, and even Scotland teammate Tom Jordan playing themselves into contention, Tuipulotu has a serious fight on his hands.

Lions Trivia: The last Glasgow Warriors player to start a Lions Test? Stuart Hogg in 2021.

Ollie Lawrence – Achilles Blow Ends His Lions Dream

One player already ruled out is England’s Ollie Lawrence. The dynamic centre’s season is officially over after he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during England’s win over Italy in the Six Nations.

Head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed the grim news in his post-match press conference, revealing that Lawrence faces a recovery time of nine to twelve months—far longer than the three months left before the Lions tour begins.

Lawrence took to social media, writing: “Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback.”

With Lawrence sidelined, the Lions’ midfield puzzle just got even more interesting, with Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade, and Joe Marchant all eyeing up a spot on the plane.

Did You Know? Lawrence made his England debut at just 21 years old against Italy in 2021.

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