"Frankly Insulting" - Fans slam one of Andy Farrell's most controversial Lions selections

Thursday, 08 May 2025 at 18:24

byRugby Rucker

One of the biggest shock omissions from the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad? Step forward Jack Willis.

The Toulouse powerhouse, widely hailed as the best back-rower in Europe right now, has somehow failed to catch Warren Farrell’s eye—and fans are

not taking it well.

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“He’s better than Morgan!”

Supporters were quick to voice their disbelief, with one saying:

“Can’t argue with many selections, surprised Jack Willis didn’t make it. I think he’s a better all-round player than Morgan.”

Another added:

“Clear bias in the back-row selection. No out-and-out No.8. Surely there should be space for Faletau and Jack Willis.”

“Arguably the best flanker in the world”

Plenty felt Willis’ all-round game, physicality and form in France should have been enough.

“No Jack Willis is the biggest surprise for me!” said one stunned supporter.
“He’s arguably the best flanker in the world at the moment and he’s not made the Lions—for some reason.”

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“Frankly insulting”

Many pointed to the RFU’s overseas selection policy potentially colouring the decision:

“No Jack Willis is frankly insulting to the player,” said one angry fan. “His not being available for England (stupid rule) shouldn’t matter for a Lions tour.”

“So complete as a player”

Others were simply gutted for the 27-year-old:

“Gutted for Jack Willis. What he’s shown since moving to Toulouse has been immense. Consistent, hard, great defender, good handling—he’s so, so complete as a player. I wish he’d had the chance to wear this mythical jersey.”

The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia

1. Nicky Smith (Wales)

An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.

2. Jamie George (England)

The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.

3. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.

4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.

5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.

6. Courtney Lawes (England)

A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.

7. Jack Willis (England)

A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.

9. Ben White (Scotland)

Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.

10. Owen Farrell (England)

The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.

12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)

Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.

13. Henry Slade (England)

One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.

14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)

The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.

15. George Furbank (England)

A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.