Northampton's 20-year-old forward Henry Pollock will tour Australia with the British and Irish Lions this summer, but former England captain Owen Farrell, the son of head coach Andy, misses out.
In a recent interview with
TalkSport, Andy Farrell commented on his son’s omission, explaining that while Owen is still recovering from injury, there is potential for him to be added to the squad in the coming weeks. "Like a good few players, he is still trying to find his way back to full fitness.
There is room to add players over the next few weeks and he is certainly one of them. There could be wiggle room over the next few weeks," he said. Despite being a three-time Lions tourist, Owen Farrell’s return to fitness with French side Racing 92 has not been enough to secure a place in the initial squad. However, with the door still open for additions, it’s not entirely out of the question that we could see him join the Lions in the near future.
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Elsewhere, Northampton’s Pollock's inclusion marks a warp-speed rise to the top of the game. The flanker, who only turned 20 in January, had played only one Premiership game before the start of this season.
Ireland's first-choice fly-half Sam Prendergast misses out with Scotland's Finn Russell and England pair Fin Smith and Marcus Smith preferred as stand-off options. Scrum-half Tomos Williams and flanker Jac Morgan are the only two Wales players included, an all-time low for a Lions tour.
Below, we look at the 10 players who could be on Andy Farrell's standby list for the tour:
1. Owen Farrell (England)
The 33-year-old former England captain has been battling his way back to fitness after joining Racing 92. Despite being a three-time Lions tourist, his injury struggles have kept him out of the squad, but his father Andy Farrell has left the door open for a potential call-up.
2. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
The Welsh back-row dynamo continues to deliver in the international arena. Despite fierce competition for back-row spots, Faletau’s Lions experience could prove invaluable if called upon.
3. Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Prendergast's rise in the Irish ranks has been impressive, but despite being Ireland’s first-choice fly-half, he misses out to the likes of Russell and Smith. The 22-year-old will likely be ready to answer the call if needed.
4. Dewi Lake (Wales)
Lake is a standout player for Wales, a dynamic hooker whose skillset makes him a key figure for both club and country. His omission from the starting tour squad is a surprise, but he’s still very much in the frame as a backup.
5. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's Ben White has been a consistent performer at scrum-half, but he faces fierce competition from the likes of Wales' Williams. Nonetheless, White remains a valuable option should injury strike.
6. Jack Willis (England)
The back-row dynamo’s exclusion from the squad was one of the biggest shocks. Willis has been a standout performer with his relentless breakdown work, tireless defense, and work rate. His snub has left many scratching their heads, especially considering his impact at club and international levels. Being on the standby list keeps him in the mix, but it was a huge surprise to see him miss out on a main spot.
7. Ben Curry (England)
Ben Curry is one of England’s most underrated players, with his relentless tackling and breakdown work. Despite competition from the likes of Willis and Faletau, Curry’s defensive brilliance may still get him the call-up.
8. Courtney Lawes (England)
Lawes, a veteran of multiple Lions tours, has shown his enduring class in both the Premiership and international rugby. His leadership and experience would make him a valuable addition to the Lions squad if he is required.
9. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
O’Mahony’s work at the breakdown and his leadership qualities have earned him a spot in the standby list. Despite a wealth of back-row talent, O’Mahony’s grit could see him in the mix if a spot opens up.
10. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Sinckler’s aggressive scrummaging and ball-carrying ability make him a key figure in the front row. His exclusion from the main squad was a surprise to many, but the prop remains on standby for a potential call-up.
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TOUGH QUIZ: Can you name EVERY British & Irish Lions captain of the past 50 Years?
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