Taulupe Faletau was not included in Andy Farrell's 38-man squad on Thursday, even after injury to Ireland No. 8 and Lions captaincy contender Caelan Doris.
Instead, just two Welshmen were selected – with Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams the only tourists.
However, Faletau is keeping himself fit, with reports suggesting he isn't far away from a fourth Lions tour.
The 33-year-old has featured in three consecutive Lions series (2013, 2017, and 2021), starting all three Tests against New Zealand in 2017 and playing a key role off the bench in South Africa four years later.
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.
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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?
We've got a belter of a quiz in store, as we challenge you to name EVERY British & Irish Lions tour captain of the past 50 years. We start off our quiz back on the 1974 tour of South Africa, and bring it all the way up to the Lions' latest tour to the land of the Springboks in 2021.
To make this a little bit more difficult, some of the more recent tours included multiple captains, with both needed to be named if you want to ace this Lions Tour quiz. You have six minutes to get all of your answers down, and your time starts... Now!