"Another surgery" - Forward ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour
Rugby NewsSaturday, 31 May 2025 at 06:28
Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins will miss this summer’s tour of Japan after deciding to undergo back surgery in a bid to be fully fit for the start of next season.
The 22-year-old Exeter Chiefs second-row, seen as a serious contender for the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad and likely to be on the standby list at the very least, has made the call following talks with the Welsh Rugby Union and his club.
Jenkins sat out the start of the Gallagher Premiership season after double surgery on his knee and shoulder, only returning to action in December after a five-month layoff. Since then, he’s featured 17 times for Exeter and Wales.
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Backs, Backs, Backs – and Now a Back Problem
But he’s now set for another spell out of action as he looks to fix the back issue once and for all.
Issuing an update, Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter said: “He’s having surgery on a back issue; he’s going to have that this week, and so he’ll be out for a period.
"It wasn’t an operation he actually desperately had to have now, but it’s one that he’s needed to have.
“He’s felt the degree it needed doing now rather than leaving," he added. "So it’s one of those decisions that Daf, the WRU and ourselves just sat down and decided, let’s get this done now.”
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Standby Lions Squad Revealed – Owen Farrell Among Reserves
Andy Farrell has named his 38-man British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour to Australia – but the real squad is always bigger. Injuries are inevitable, and history shows the late call-ups often end up as key Test performers.
Just look at 2013. Alex Corbisiero wasn’t selected initially, but after Cian Healy's injury, he flew in and ended up starting the first and third Tests – even scoring in the series decider.
So, who’s most likely to get the call this time? Sky Sports have named Farrell's likely "Standby Lions Squad,"
Standby Watch: Lions 2025
1. Owen Farrell – Fly-half/Centre (England)
- Reason: Farrell stepped back from England duties in 2024 and moved to Racing 92 in France, making him unavailable for the Six Nations. Although highly experienced and a former Lions captain, his recent absence from international competition and possible shift in priorities likely influenced his omission from the main squad. However, his leadership and versatility still make him an ideal standby.
2. Jamie George – Hooker (England)
- Reason: The current England captain had a strong Six Nations, but with rising competition at hooker and his age (mid-30s), selectors may have leaned towards fresher options for the tour. George’s experience and consistent set-piece reliability keep him high on the standby list.
3. Jack Willis – Back-row (England/France)
- Reason: Playing in France (Toulouse) limited his England involvement due to RFU policy. Still, he's one of the most destructive breakdown players in Europe. His form in the Top 14 keeps him in contention, especially if an injury occurs to a fetcher-style flanker.
4. Darcy Graham – Wing (Scotland)
- Reason: Electrifying in attack but has struggled with injuries over the past 12 months. With several in-form wings available, he narrowly missed the squad. If fit and firing, he’s a lethal finisher and a great standby asset.
5. Ben White – Scrum-half (Scotland)
- Reason: Solid Six Nations performances but overshadowed by others like Jamison Gibson-Park and Tomos Williams. White is a steady and intelligent player, offering excellent depth if an injury hits the main scrum-half trio.
6. Craig Casey – Scrum-half (Ireland)
- Reason: The Munster man is seen as one for the future. With Conor Murray aging and Casey impressing domestically, he's on standby as a developing talent who can step in with high energy and tempo.
7. George Ford – Fly-half (England)
- Reason: A proven tactician and game manager but possibly overlooked due to Farrell’s experience and Marcus Smith’s flair. Still, Ford’s cool head and strategic kicking game make him a dependable option if needed.
8. Robbie Henshaw – Centre (Ireland)
- Reason: A 2021 Lion and long-standing midfield rock, but recent injury setbacks and the rise of players like Bundee Aki and Ollie Lawrence edged him out. Henshaw’s versatility and big-match experience earn him a place on standby.
9. Sam Prendergast – Fly-half (Ireland)
- Reason: A rising star and seen as Ireland’s long-term 10. While still inexperienced at senior international level, his raw talent and playmaking vision make him a developmental pick on standby – and a serious consideration for the future.
10. Blair Murray – Full-back (Scotland)
- Reason: A surprise name for some, Murray has shown strong form and promise with Edinburgh. Likely included for his pace, counter-attacking threat, and utility value across the back three. He's a development player who may be blooded for the next tour.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!
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