Each week we will be asking rugby journalists as well as Lions legends to review all the action from the leagues and competitions to see which players are putting their names in contention for the Lions Tour of Australia this summer. This week’s Lions Watch is written by Paul Martin.
Time is running out for Lions hopefuls to impress Andy Farrell before he names his squad at London’s O2 Arena on May 8.
The past weekend brought the final chance to do so for many, while others have one more chance to stake a claim in European action.
BOD backs Ford
Fly-half is one of the most intriguing talking points ahead of the naming of this year’s squad and George Ford’s hat remains firmly in the ring.
Ford ran the show at Salford Community Stadium as Sale Sharks earned a crucial 25-7 win over Saracens to keep hold of a place in the play-off places.
The 32-year-old scored his first try for the club and played a key role in the first, scored by Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, while Scotland wing Arron Reed scored one of the tries of the season, weaving past several tackles and running in from 90 yards.
Speaking to TNT Sports afterwards, Ford said: “If you ask anyone, they would die to go on that tour.
“Selection is subjective and it’s on the coaches to pick the best squad. We’ll see what that is in the next couple of weeks.”
One man in Ford’s corner is Ireland and Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll, who wrote on X: “Watched George Ford last night run things for Sale. He could be a brilliant fit for the @lionsofficial. Great control, passing & running game. There’s no sentiment in sport but if ever a player deserved to play at the highest level...”.
The Friday night battle also pitted Luke Cowan-Dickie against Jamie George, with both hookers hoping to earn spots on the plane.
Both have been in fine form in recent weeks – as has George’s Saracens clubmate Theo Dan in the same role – and will hope to have done enough to force their way into Farrell’s plans.
Wales’ Dewi Lake is another contender for the position and was among the try-scorers as Scarlets comfortably overcame Dragons 57-24.
Kinghorn forced off for Toulouse
Over in the Top 14, Blair Kinghorn was withdrawn just nine minutes into Toulouse’s 52-6 win over Castres with a knee injury.
The Scotland full-back is one of several French-based players hoping for a call-up – another, Owen Farrell, kicked 11 points as Racing 92 overcame Stade Francais – but is now a doubt for his side’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final in Bordeaux on Sunday.
Toulouse assistant coach David Mele provided a more hopeful update post-match, however, saying the knock “does not look too serious.”
Care wants Mitchell on the plane
Alex Mitchell has been in fine form in 2025 and delivered a player of the match performance as Northampton Saints beat Bristol Bears 48-31 on Saturday.
Mitchell is set for a showdown against another of his rivals for the Lions No.9 jersey in Dublin on Saturday as his side take on Leinster in the Champions Cup last four.
And former England scrum-half Danny Care believes both should be on the plane.
He told TNT Sports: "The one for me that's definitely on the plane is Alex Michell. Player of the match performance yesterday [for Northampton Saints v Bristol Bears], and I love what he's all about.
“He's worked so much on his kicking game in the last year or two. He's just a constant threat and keeps defenders down to near the breakdown, which creates space for other people.
"For me, him, Tomos Williams and Jamison Gibson-Park would be my three nines."
Williams sparkled at Kingsholm as Gloucester Rugby turned on the style against Exeter Chiefs, running in 13 tries to win 79-17.
The Welshman crossed for one of those, starting and finishing one of many flowing Cherry & White moves - including a looping pass which cut out five Chiefs defenders - as his side kept themselves right in the thick of the hunt for a top four finish.
