Sir Clive Woodward can't believe these five stars were left out of Lions squad

Thursday, 08 May 2025 at 22:05

byRugby Rucker

World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has given his verdict on Andy Farrell’s 2025 British & Irish Lions squad – and he believes Jack Willis has every reason to feel aggrieved after being left out.

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However, the former England boss threw his support behind one of the most eye-catching picks: 20-year-old flanker Henry Pollock, whose rapid rise has been one of the stories of the season.

Pollock picked after “stunning display”
A Lions bolter who couldn’t be ignored

Pollock’s inclusion caps off a whirlwind breakthrough year for the Northampton forward, who only turned 20 in January and had played just a single Premiership match before the 2024/25 campaign began.

Woodward, who recently revealed his own Lions XV, explained how Pollock forced his way into contention.

He wrote in his column:“When I picked my British & Irish Lions squad to take on Australia last week, I left out Henry Pollock. I had picked my line-up before Northampton’s win over Leinster.

"After Pollock’s stunning display in his club’s famous Dublin victory, Andy Farrell had no choice but to select the 20-year-old English tyro for this summer’s tour.

"A Lions call caps a remarkable year for Pollock. I did think the tour might come too soon for him. But I changed my mind after watching him against Leinster.”

Itoje to lead after Doris blow
Farrell’s captaincy decision made easier

Ireland star Caelan Doris had been tipped as a potential tour captain, but his untimely injury has paved the way for Maro Itoje to take the reins – a move Woodward was already in favour of.

“Itoje was my choice as captain even before injury cruelly struck down Ireland’s Caelan Doris. I wonder if Doris’s shoulder surgery impacted Farrell’s back-row selection. Regardless, Pollock had to be included.”

Pollock’s selection wasn’t just based on potential. His back-to-back top-level performances proved decisive.

“It’s one thing for him to score two tries against Wales on his Test debut. But Pollock was on another level again against Leinster – a team who are essentially the Ireland side plus Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman.”

Big names miss out
Farrell, Ford, Lawes all overlooked

Alongside Willis, several senior England stars were left watching from the sidelines, including Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes, and George Ford – all mainstays in recent years.

“Willis will feel hard done by and rightly so. As will Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes, George Ford and George – guys who have done so well for England for so long.”

There were surprise omissions beyond England too – but Woodward ultimately backed Andy Farrell’s final selection.

“Sam Prendergast and Darcy Graham were also notable omissions. But I don’t think you can argue with Andy Farrell’s squad on the whole.”

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.