Andy Farrell has some big decisions to make (Image: Getty)
The final auditions for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia are set to take place in the coming weeks. Players from the four home unions are aware that a strong performance in the Guinness could secure their spots in Andy Farrell’s squad.
There are five stars on the cusp of the team at present and strong showings in the matchday 23 could see them make the cut. Express Sport takes a look at who…
Tomos Williams (Wales)
Despite the likelihood of a poor Welsh representation on the Lions tour unless there’s a dramatic turnaround in the next two months, Williams’ is one of his nations’ few strong contender for the Test 23. His performances for Gloucester have impressed and he appears capable of thriving Down Under.
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu is expected to claim centre duties against the Wallabies despite being ruled out of the Six Nations due to injury.
However, the situation at 13 is less certain. Ringrose, with his defensive skills, ball handling, acceleration and footwork, is a potential option. The 29-year-old also covers wing, making him a valuable addition to the squad.
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Ollie Chessum will be hoping to make the cut (Image: PA)
Ollie Chessum (England)
Chessum faces stiff competition in a fiercely contested area of the squad, with the experienced Tadhg Beirne also offering the option of a second row who can play blindside flanker. However, a fit Chessum could still prove valuable to the Lions as they bid for glory.
The Leicester forward’s immense work rate is crucial for England, with his ability to cover an impressive amount of ground, fill defensive gaps when called upon and bringing line speed. Although not as physical and powerful as some of his rivals, his agility and pace allows for the selection of larger players around him. Chessum must recover from a knee issue to become a serious consideration though.
Garry Ringrose could be a valuable addition to the squad (Image: PA)
Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
Maro Itoje of England is expected to be a starter against the Wallabies, leaving a scramble for who will join him in the second row, with McCarthy appearing to be the perfect partner. Since his fierce Six Nations debut against France a year ago, the 23-year-old has started every Test for Ireland and has stood out with his performance on both offence and defence, and he could prove a valuable asset at the Six Nations given what he can provide at both ends of the pitch.
Blair Kinghorn has impressed since joining Toulouse (Image: PA)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
After being moved out to the wing at Toulouse when both Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos are fit, Kinghorn can prove his worth at full-back at the Six Nations. His move to southern France has revitalised his game, particularly as he now has to compete for his place in the team after years of being an automatic choice at Edinburgh.
Kinghorn has improved from time spent at fly-half, though he will miss the start of the Lions tour if Toulouse make it to the Top 14 final, as expected.