LIST: 5 realistic British & Irish Lions Bolters 2021

The 26-year-old won the last of his seven England caps under Jones two years ago and has consistently been overlooked ever since despite his stunning club form. But Lions boss Warren Gatland can’t have failed to have been impressed by Simmonds’ performance at The Rec which showed he has the work-rate and power to match his speed.

The Leinster hooker has been highly spoken of as a coming talent for a few seasons now, and at 23 with 11 caps under his belt, his club form looks to have assured his place as the next Ireland hooker. The question is whether he can force his way into contention among some fairly impressive names. Jamie George and Ken Owens will expect to tour again this summer and will take some dislodging, while Luke Cowan-Dickie’s Exeter Chiefs form demands some recognition.

He made a try-scoring debut for Scotland in their Autumn Nations Cup victory over Georgia last October. He backed up his form to score the only try in Scotland’s famous 11-6 victory over England at Twickenham Stadium and to kick-start his first Six Nations campaign, which saw the wing score braces against Italy and then France, with his final score securing a late 27-23 victory in Paris.

While some are now linking him with the Lions, Keenan was just hoping Ireland can get some summer Tests going so he can get out there again following the 2021 Six Nations. A modest player, he'd be a great addition to Warren Gatland's squad.

The Welsh flyer is primed for a berth in this year’s British and Irish Lions touring party after crossing the whitewash four times throughout Six Nations 2021. The Gloucester-based whippet showed composure as well as raw speed throughout the tournament, with his finest moment coming during a sensational solo effort that saw the 20-year-old chip and outrun Scotland’s Stuart Hogg to dot down during Wales’ 25-24 comeback victory at Murrayfield.