Captain Maro Itoje ‘stamps’ on Lions teammate during Six Nations – escapes punishment

 kicks it down.

The now-infamous incident occurred during England’s heavy defeat to Ireland in Dublin, where Steve Borthwick’s men crumbled in the second half. While the footage of Itoje's alleged stamp on Hansen quickly circulated online, it remarkably went unnoticed by officials and citing commissioners at the time.

Despite calls for disciplinary action, Itoje escaped scot-free — and has now been handed the biggest leadership role in northern hemisphere rugby.

As the moment resurfaced following the Lions announcement, fans reignited the debate online.

One wrote: “That’s not going to endear him to anyone as a captain. A real privilege. Wasted.”

Another said: “Nasty that. Cheap shot. We won though, so all good in the end.”

A third commented: “Shocking – but what do you expect from a team warned early on for foul play? Well done Ireland for not taking the bait.”

With both players now confirmed in Andy Farrell’s squad — and tensions from the Six Nations still fresh — Itoje might want to treat Hansen to a pint before they head Down Under.

With form peaking at the perfect time and injuries always a factor on tour, these three stars are making Farrell’s job harder by the week. Whether it’s through electric attacking displays, tactical brilliance or all-round consistency, they’re banging on the Lions’ door—and doing it loudly.

Here are three standout names who could still make the trip Down Under.

Left out? Not bothered. Scotland’s electric winger Darcy Graham let his feet do the talking with a scintillating hat-trickas Edinburgh thrashed Ulster 47-17 to secure a play-off spot.

Dubbed “a magician” by RugbyPass’s Simon Thomas, Graham conjured up a highlight-reel performance that screamed Lions-quality.

Even his coach Sean Everitt couldn’t hide the disappointment:

At just 26, there’s still time. But if injuries hit, don’t be surprised if Graham gets a last-minute boarding pass to Australia.

Ninety-nine caps. Endless class. Still no Lions shirt.

George Ford produced another fly-half masterclass as Sale battered Bristol 41-27. Calm, ruthless, brilliant—he ran the show like a man on a mission.

Sale skipper Ben Curry summed it up:

Despite being overlooked, the 32-year-old is playing some of the best rugby of his career. He’s the heartbeat of Sale, the glue for England—and arguably the Lions’ biggest omission so far.

While Finn Russell dazzled against Leicester, it was Ben Spencer who quietly stole the show in Bath’s 43-15 demolition job.

His box-kicking? On the money. His distribution? Crisp and fast. Oh, and he chipped in with a cracking solo try too.

Spencer’s combination with Russell is flourishing—and if the Lions want ready-made chemistry, the Bath No.9 should be on the plane.

He’s been knocking on the door for years. Maybe 2025 is the moment he finally