"Only has one cap" - 20-year-old England forward called up to Lions squad

Monday, 09 June 2025 at 07:15

bySteven Smith

They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

Sale's rising star Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been drafted into the British & Irish Lions training squad as Andy Farrell scrambles to plug gaps in his depleted front row.

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The 20-year-old tighthead, who earned his first England cap in the autumn, will join the Lions camp in Portugal next week as preparations ramp up for their clash with Argentina on Friday, 20 June in Dublin.

With Leinster, Bath, and Leicester players unavailable due to URC and Premiership finals, Farrell is short on bodies—and especially front-row firepower.

Front Row Woes

Hookers: Only Luke Cowan-Dickie is available; Leinster duo Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher are still in club action.
Tight-heads: Furlong (injury), Stuart (unavailable), and Fagerson (calf strain) are all missing.

Enter Opoku-Fordjour, fresh off a standout season with Sale and a Premiership Young Player of the Season shortlist nod. He started in Sale’s narrow 21–16 loss to Leicester last weekend and now gets a shot to impress in red.

What’s Next?

Lions vs Argentina – 20 June, Aviva Stadium
Lions head to Australia for their first tour match vs Western Force on 28 June

Also expected to join the squad soon: Finlay Bealham (Ireland) and Jamie George (England), with official announcements due Monday.

The England players WAGs cheering on British & Irish Lions this summer

As the British & Irish Lions gear up for an action-packed summer tour, all eyes won’t just be on the pitch — the stands will be just as captivating.

The England players’ WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are preparing to show their unwavering support, bringing glamour, style, and plenty of team spirit along for the ride.

From sun-soaked selfies to heartfelt moments of encouragement, expect these supportive partners to be a vibrant presence throughout the Lions' campaign.

Here's a closer look at the women who’ll be roaring loudest from the sidelines this summer.

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all:

“No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.

The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)

Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”

STATEMENT: New Zealand Rugby Boss to Step Down

Andy Farrell adds THREE more players to his British & Irish Lions squad