Four bolters tipped to make Andy Farrell's 2025 Lions squad
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With the British & Irish Lions tour edging closer, all eyes are on the big names — but don't be surprised if Andy Farrell springs a few surprises.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The Ireland boss is known for backing form players, and there's every chance a handful of breakout stars and late risers will force their way into the squad.
Here are five realistic bolters who could gatecrash the 2025 Lions tour.
1. Henry Pollock (England)
Position: Flanker
Age: 19
Club: Northampton Saints
Pollock made his England debut during the 2025 Six Nations and didn't look out of place for a second. At just 19, he's a breakdown menace with serious pace around the park — Farrell will love his energy and game intelligence. With Courtney Lawes retired and Tom Curry still battling injuries, Pollock could be the bolter in the back-row.
2. Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Position: Fly-half
Age: 22
Club: Leinster
Prendergast impressed during the Six Nations with his calmness and control, but it's a crowded race for the 10 jersey. Farrell is likely to back Fin Smith as the frontrunner — but with Russell not getting younger, Prendergast offers a long-term option with serious upside. Smart, tall, and composed under pressure, he's a perfect "third fly-half" bolter.
3. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Position: Wing
Age: 21
Club: Exeter Chiefs
He's been sidelined since January, but before that, Feyi-Waboso was one of the form players in Europe. Powerful, elusive, and intelligent in both attack and defence — Farrell could easily roll the dice on him if he gets fit and fires in the early club season. A late run of form could see him sneak into the squad.
4. Jac Morgan (Wales)
Position: Flanker
Age: 24
Club: Ospreys
Wales might be struggling, but Jac Morgan isn't. He was immense in a tough Six Nations campaign, leading from the front with trademark grit and consistency. With few Welsh players guaranteed a spot, Morgan might be one of the very few to earn a place on merit — and potentially push for a Test start.
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28 England players on Andy Farrell’s 75-man Lions watchlist
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there's no shortage of talent vying for a spot.
Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge
Ireland's Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland's Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales' Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
- Nicky Smith (Wales)
- Ellis Genge (England)
- Bevan Rodd (England)
- Fin Baxter (England)
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HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position
Ireland's Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England's Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales' leading option.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- Jamie George (England)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent
Ireland's Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England's trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland's Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Will Stuart (England)
- Joe Heyes (England)
- Kyle Sinckler (England)
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites
Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland's Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland's Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales' strongest option.
- Maro Itoje (England)
- George Martin (England)
- Ollie Chessum (England)
- Courtney Lawes (England)
- David Ribbans (England)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
- Iain Henderson (Ireland)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
- Scott Cummings (Scotland)
- Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine
Ireland's Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England's back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland's Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales' Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.
- Tom Curry (England)
- Ben Curry (England)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Sam Underhill (England)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Jack Willis (England)
- Tom Willis (England)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
- Jack Conan (Ireland)
- Rory Darge (Scotland)
- Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
- Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
- Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Aaron Wainwright (Wales)
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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