“Best in Europe – and still left out!” Sir Clive Woodward blasts FIVE Lions omissions
Rugby NewsFriday, 06 June 2025 at 22:37
World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has called out the British & Irish Lions selectors, naming five players who were unlucky to miss out.
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From a back-row juggernaut tearing it up in France, to one of the best No.10s never to wear the famous red jersey, these omissions have sparked outrage — and Woodward isn’t holding back.
Here are the five big names left out, according to Sir Clive ?
? 1. Jack Willis (Toulouse & England)
Position: Flanker
Age: 28
Caps: 14 (England)
Club: Toulouse (Top 14)
Age: 28
Caps: 14 (England)
Club: Toulouse (Top 14)
Thrown out of Wasps when the club collapsed, Willis rebuilt his career in France — and he's done it in spectacular fashion. A turnover machine with brutal power and unrivalled work rate, he's been a key part of Toulouse's dominance.
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“He’s the best player in Europe for me… it’s ridiculous he’s ineligible for England anyway.” wrote Woodward in the Mail Online.
"Willis’s form for the last two years in France has been extraordinary. He should undoubtedly be a Test Lion in waiting."– Sir Clive
The fact he’s not Lions-eligible because of England’s overseas selection policy? Even more ridiculous.
? 2. Courtney Lawes (Brive & England)
Position: Lock / Flanker
Age: 36
Caps: 105 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: CA Brive (Pro D2)
Age: 36
Caps: 105 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: CA Brive (Pro D2)
Yes — he’s in France’s second division. But Lawes is still turning in top-tier performances week in, week out. A veteran of three Lions tours, his ability to cover lock and blindside flanker, dominate collisions, and lead under pressure is unrivalled.
?️ “Experience, leadership, physicality – Lawes is still one of the best.” – Sir Clive
Still playing like it’s 2017? He probably should be on the tour, not watching it.
? 3. Owen Farrell (Racing 92 & England
Position: Fly-half / Inside Centre
Age: 33
Caps: 112 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: Racing 92 (Top 14)
Age: 33
Caps: 112 (England), 5 (Lions)
Club: Racing 92 (Top 14)
Farrell stepped back from England duty, but his move to Paris has only added more to his game. Whether you love or loathe him, he’s a proven match-winner, ferocious defender, and serial winner.
His Lions pedigree speaks for itself — 2013, 2017, 2021. And yet, no room in 2025?
? 4. George Ford (Sale Sharks & England)
Position: Fly-half
Age: 32
Caps: 95 (England)
Club: Sale Sharks (Premiership Rugby)
Age: 32
Caps: 95 (England)
Club: Sale Sharks (Premiership Rugby)
Ford has done it all: World Cup finals, Six Nations wins, game-managing masterclasses. Still, he's never made a Lions squad.
Whether outshining bigger names in crunch moments or orchestrating wins with surgical precision, Ford has every right to feel hard done by — again.
? 5. Jamie George (Saracens & England)
Position: Hooker
Age: 34
Caps: 101 (England), 3 (Lions)
Club: Saracens (Premiership Rugby)
Age: 34
Caps: 101 (England), 3 (Lions)
Club: Saracens (Premiership Rugby)
Named England captain for the 2024 Six Nations, George delivered consistently at the set-piece and in open play. Experienced, accurate, and calm under pressure — everything the Lions need in a Test series.
?️ “He’s a leader, a world-class hooker, and one of the most reliable players in the game.”
– Sir Clive
A 2021 Lion and still at the top of his game. His omission? Cold.
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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