Key figures in the engine room and often captaincy contenders, as was the case with Alun Wyn Jones four years ago, locks lead by example on and off the field.
Similarly to their fellow pack members in the front row (see our contenders pieces on props and hookers), Andy Farrell is spoilt for choice as to which second rows he will select next week.
Here is the lowdown on those options…
PREVIOUS TOURISTS
Fresh from leading a vastly improved England to a runners-up finish in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Maro Itoje appears well set to travel on a third Lions Tour.
Having delivered standout performances aged just 22 in New Zealand in 2017, Itoje was again an ever-present in the Test side in South Africa and was later named the Lions’ Player of the Series.
His name is also among those in the captaincy frame and he could pack down alongside one of his fellow 2021 tourists, with Tadhg Beirne an integral part of the Ireland pack Farrell has overseen since 2019.
Beirne, who can also cover the back row, featured in two Tests in South Africa last time out and took on the Munster captaincy ahead of this season.
Courtney Lawes’ versatility is also a strength and the 36-year-old knows the drill, having toured twice previously. A talismanic figure, Lawes has spent the past season playing for Brive in Pro D2 and has been vocal in his desire to be part of Farrell’s plans.
FIRST-TIME TOURISTS
James Ryan missed out on selection four years ago and will be determined to be part of a touring Lions squad this time around.
The 28-year-old has been one of Farrell’s trusted Ireland lieutenants and though he has not featured since Round 5 of the Six Nations after picking up a calf injury, he is reportedly upping his training workloads and could come back to fitness at an opportune time.
His compatriot Joe McCarthy is also among the options after a breakthrough 2024. The Leinster ace, 24, made a name for himself in last year’s Six Nations, a Player of the Match display in a famous win in Marseille setting his country on the road to the title.
He was playing catch-up in this year’s Championship after missing the first two rounds through injury but remains a fearsome prospect.
England and Leicester Tigers pair Ollie Chessum and George Martin are also each in with a shot, though Tigers coach Michael Cheika recently said ‘you can draw a line through’ the latter for the domestic season, putting his potential Lions participation in doubt.
From a Welsh perspective, Dafydd Jenkins has already shown a maturity that belies his tender years.
The 22-year-old has stepped up to captain his country at various points in his fledgling international career and also skippers Exeter Chiefs. Both his club and country are going through tough times on the field but the consistent Jenkins remains a figure those around him look to when the going gets tricky – with his Chiefs coach Rob Baxter among those advocating for his selection.
From Scotland, Scott Cummings missed the Six Nations through injury, but had been in flying form up to that point and made his return from injury last weekend with Glasgow Warriors.
A potential bolter may lie across the Channel in the form of David Ribbans. After a stop-start England career saw him win 11 caps, the South African-born lock has excelled since making the switch to Toulon in 2023.
