"Nine months out" - Stuart Hogg suffers huge setback as career revival in France put on hold 

 kicks it down.

The 32-year-old limped off in the 54th minute after a clumsy tackle from Perpignan winger Tavite Veredamu while fielding a high ball. Hogg had already racked up 11 points in the match, continuing his electric form since making a shock comeback earlier this season.

According to reports in France, the former British & Irish Lion has already gone under the knife, bringing a premature end to his Top 14 campaign—and potentially sidelining him for the start of next season too.

After reversing his retirement just a year after hanging up his boots before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Hogg signed a long-term deal with Montpellier through to 2027.

The Scottish superstar quickly became a fan favourite in the south of France, clocking up 16 appearances and 112 points.

Often used at fly-half—his old schoolboy position—Hogg has been a key figure in Montpellier’s resurgence, helping lift the side from the relegation scrap to a respectable eighth-place finish.

This latest setback will be gutting for Hogg, who had found joy and form in France after a turbulent end to his Test career. Montpellier will also feel the hit—losing one of their most influential performers just as things were starting to click.

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