Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll has tipped Sione Tuipulotu as a guaranteed pick for the British & Irish Lions inside centre role, fitness permitting, as the 2025 tour to Australia looms.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The Scotland star has been in scintillating form for both club and country, earning widespread praise and putting himself on Andy Farrell’s radar for the prestigious series.
But it's not just Tuipulotu who has caught O'Driscoll's eye. The iconic centre also threw his support behind Ireland's Garry Ringrose as the ideal partner for the Scottish powerhouse, edging out Huw Jones for the coveted outside centre role.
“Tuipulotu plus one”: O'Driscoll's call on the 13 jersey
Speaking on Off The Ball, O’Driscoll explained why Tuipulotu's name should be written in ink on the team sheet. “I think there's a very, very strong chance that if he stays fit, he could be the starting Lions 12,” O’Driscoll said. “Defensively, he's very, very good, but he does offer something different than the other 13s.”
While Tuipulotu’s inside centre spot seems secure, O'Driscoll acknowledged the decision at 13 isn't as straightforward. Huw Jones' chemistry with Tuipulotu at Scotland could tempt Farrell to keep the pair together, but the former Lions captain believes Ringrose has the edge.
Why Ringrose over Jones?
“Huw Jones, I don't think, has the ball-playing ability quite like Garry, albeit he runs great lines,” O'Driscoll said. “At the moment, it's Tuipulotu plus one, with an inclination to probably veer towards Garry Ringrose. I'm sure Huw Jones, in his partnership with Tuipulotu, will have something to say about it.”
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Sir Ian McGeechan Named the 5 Greatest Players in Rugby History
When Sir Ian McGeechan speaks, the rugby world listens. The legendary Lions boss – who's done it all as both player and coach – knows greatness when he sees it.
With six British & Irish Lions tours on his CV (four as head coach, two as a player), the Scotsman has spent decades rubbing shoulders with the very best. His rugby brain is unmatched, and his influence on the game? Monumental.
So when Geech picks his top five players of all time, it's a list worth taking seriously.
And yes, there's room for a few shockers – including a certain Irish centre who didn't make the cut…
Honourable mentions:
Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – arguably the greatest centre of all time, but not quite in Geech's top five.
JPR Williams (Wales) – a trailblazing fullback who redefined his position.
But who did make the cut? An English genius, a Welsh wizard – and a few picks that might just surprise you.
Let's break it down.
#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
A behemoth who changed the game forever, Jonah Lomu was rugby's first global superstar. The 6ft 5in, 120kg winger was a terrifying blend of speed and power, redefining what was possible for a man of his size.
Lomu's explosive performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remain the stuff of legend, as he bulldozed defences with ease, scoring four tries in an iconic semi-final against England.
McGeechan wrote: "Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby."
#4. Martin Johnson (England)
One of the most fearsome captains in rugby history, Martin Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003, cementing his place among the sport's greats.
Renowned for his towering physicality, leadership, and sheer will to win, the Leicester lock was the heart of England's forward dominance during his era. He remains the only man to have captained the Lions on two tours.
McGeechan wrote: "I think he defined an era, both for forward play and for the performances of the teams he represented."
#3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Regarded by many as the finest fly-half to ever play the game, Dan Carter's all-around excellence made him a once-in-a-generation talent.
The All Black maestro's tactical awareness, immaculate goal-kicking, and game-breaking ability saw him guide New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
McGeechan wrote: "He really was the complete 10. His defence was immaculate, he could break himself, he could bring others into play, his kicking from hand and from tee was incredibly accurate. He also changed the way the game was played with his kicking from his own 22m and his kicking to compete. The greatest of the modern era in my opinion."
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