The back row is potentially the area in which Andy Farrell is most spoilt for choice when considering his British & Irish Lions squad.
He has a plethora of ball-carrying and jackaling talent to choose from and those selected to complete the pack will be integral if they are to emulate the class of 2013 and win on Australian shores.
Here we take a look at those in the running to wear the shirts numbered 6, 7 and 8:
Previous Tourists
Sale Sharks’ Tom Curry was an important part of Warren Gatland’s pack in 2021, starting all three Tests against South Africa, and is solidly in contention to play a big part in Farrell’s plans.
He was one of England’s star players during this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations, starting all five matches as Steve Borthwick’s side finished second behind winners France.
The 26-year-old has also had a fine season in a Sale shirt and his versatility – being able to play across the entire back row – and previous Lions experience would make him a valuable member of the touring party.
Jack Conan was the man in possession of the No.8 jersey four years ago in South Africa, starting all three Tests. With the emergence of Caelan Doris, he has developed into something of an impact replacement at international level in recent years and would be a high-quality option to bring on in the late stages. His exploits in this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations were a reminder of his ability at the highest level and scoring three tries to cap off a fine tournament for the 32-year-old.
Taulupe Faletau is also in the running for a fourth Lions Tour and knows what it takes to win a Test series against Australia – doing so in 2013. That know-how would be invaluable to the rest of the squad.
Potential First-Timers
Andy Farrell knows all about the capabilities of Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier as the Leinster duo have been at the heart of Ireland’s back row for a number of years, winning the Grand Slam for the Lions head coach in 2023.
Doris and Van der Flier have both been recognised for their talents in the past year, with the former being nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year while the latter was named Player of the Series for the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, having been named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2022.
Both men have fond memories of the last time they played Australia, as Ireland ran out 22-19 winners in November 2024 with captain Doris scoring a crucial try.
That result will no doubt have given them a taste for further success against the Wallabies.
Another man in the frame is Jack Willis, who has been outstanding since his move to Toulouse in 2022.
The former Wasps player was instrumental in the French side’s Top 14-Champions Cup double during his first full season across the Channel and similarly impressive performances this term makes him a strong candidate to travel to Australia.
The case can also be made for his brother Tom Willis to travel Down Under too, the player who is currently leading the way in three categories in Gallagher Premiership Rugby. The 26-year-old Sarries player has made 217 carries, of which 93 have been past the gain line, and has beaten 78 defenders.
Meanwhile, the Willis brothers’ compatriots Ben Earl and Ben Curry have also put their names in the conversation after stellar seasons for their country and clubs Saracens and Sale respectively.
Earl is an explosive ball carrier and also has the ability to play elsewhere on the field - playing in the midfield during the final 30 minutes of England’s record-breaking win over Wales in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations earlier this year - which gives the 27-year-old another string to his bow.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Curry is arguably the best jackal threat in Gallagher Premiership Rugby and his ability at the breakdown could be invaluable to Farrell.
Another Englishman making a late charge is Henry Pollock, still eligible for England U20s but now a full international with two tries in his debut in Cardiff. He has also played a big role in Northampton Saints reaching the Investec Champions Cup final, scoring in a memorable semi-final win over Leinster.
Jamie Ritchie had a fine Guinness Men’s Six Nations, enough so to put his hat into the ring for selection while teammates Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge have also been consistently reliable in the Scottish pack, the latter co-captaining the side.
Wales captain Jac Morgan was sensational in difficult circumstances during the Guinness Six Nations and would not take a backward step in Australia, while colleagues Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell have been bright sparks for their country, splitting game time. The latter has been instrumental in Leicester’s Play-Off push.
An inclusion that would offer an intriguing subplot would be that of Scotland’s Jack Dempsey. The 31-year-old made 14 appearances for Australia before switching his allegiance to Scotland in 2022. Performances such as the one he gave in last season’s URC final for Glasgow Warriors – playing the full 80 minutes in their 21-16 win over Bulls – demonstrate he is undoubtedly talented enough to make the trip to play against the country of his birth.
