kicks it down.
Andy Farrell’s first British & Irish Lions squad raised plenty of eyebrows—and not just for who made it, but for the serious talent left behind. But just because they missed out on the initial 36-man squad doesn’t mean the door is shut.
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.
✨ #1. Darcy Graham – The Magician Strikes Back
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:
“Every time he puts on a rugby jersey, he turns something out of nothing. He’s a real magician.”
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.
? #2. George Ford – England’s Cheat Code
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:
“Fordy is a little cheat code. I don’t think there are many players in the world like him.”
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.
? #3. Ben Spencer – Finn’s Right-Hand Man
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
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