Andy Farrell will be in a jubilant mood this week, and although he won’t admit it, he will also be impressed with some Lions contenders ahead of next year’s tour. From some exciting Welsh prospects to Ireland’s efficient cohort, and not forgetting England’s revival and Scotland’s mavericks; the depth is obscene.
Even if certain positions pick themselves, Farrell has an array of options across the board, both young and old. A long list that will excite when he rewatches the Six Nations games over the coming weeks.
Here's our Lions XV and replacements for that first test in Brisbane, based mostly on form.
15. Hugo Keenan
11 February 2024; Hugo Keenan of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Like Bundee Aki, who we'll get to, Hugo Keenan is probably the best in his position on the planet, and I believe he’s Ireland’s finest ever full-back. He is a one of a kind athlete who has every trick in the book, and is only ever distancing himself from the pack rather than playing down
14. Mack Hansen
14 October 2023; Mack Hansen of Ireland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Our sole injured party in the ranks, there’s few better natural footballing wingers than Mack Hansen. Although Calvin Nash was a worthy replacement, Hansen’s ability to step into first or second receiver, act as an exit kicking or attacking kicking option and being an elite attacker gives him the edge over Darcy Graham or Rio Dyer. You'd imagine an Australia tour will bring out the best in him.
13. Garry Ringrose
16 March 2024; Garry Ringrose of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Despite a mere 23 minutes in the recent Six Nations, Garry Ringrose should make a first Lions tour next year if fit. His leadership and defensive acumen coupled with his cohesive partnership with Bundee Aki should give him the edge in a competitive position.
12. Bundee Aki
9 March 2024; Elliot Daly of England is tackled by Bundee Aki of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Last year’s star of the World Cup and World Player of the Year, Bundee Aki is on another planet in recent times. Arguably the best inside centre in the current game, this Connacht and Ireland cult hero is the undisputed starter if he remains at this level; and should still hold off challengers providing a consistent standard.
11. James Lowe
Duhan versus Lowe. One powerful try scoring winger versus another. I can make a case either way, but Lowe is just more rounded with that gigantic left boot and defensive shutdowns tipping the scales in his favour.
10. Jack Crowley
16 March 2024; Jack Crowley of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Johnny who? Jack Crowley’s rise from the AIL shadows to the Six Nations spotlight has been remarkable and seized with both hands. Although he will need to prove a handful of doubters wrong, his age and talent progression should make him the favourite for the fabled Lions 10 shirt in 2025.
9. Alex Mitchell
9 March 2024; Alex Mitchell of England during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Possibly a questionable call, I have gone for Northampton’s Alex Mitchell for the starting number nine shirt. Still only 26, Mitchell’s ascension in the past two seasons has been remarkable, building on the improved form and coaching at club level. Given Jamison Gibson-Park’s age profile in a high speed role, it has to be advantage Mitchell.
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1. Andrew Porter
16 March 2024; Andrew Porter of Ireland, left, is congratulated by his friend Pearse O'Loughlin after the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
He has his faults, but work ethic isn’t one of them. Having missed out of the 2021 tour due to injury, Porter should be expected to be a starter next time around, this time at loosehead.
2. Dan Sheehan
16 March 2024; Dan Sheehan of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Everyone has their hills to die on, and mine is that Dan Sheehan is the best hooker in world rugby. His lineout darts are aesthetically pleasing and accurate, and he is a force in the open field. Only injury could dislodge him from here.
3. Tadhg Furlong
16 March 2024; Tadhg Furlong of Ireland after the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Tadhg Furlong is one of rugby’s greatest ever props, and although he’s a starter now, this selection carries questions. A lot will depend on injuries, ageing and form but right now, the Wexford legend looks set to go on a third straight tour.
4. Dafydd Jenkins
24 February 2024; Ryan Baird of Ireland is tackled by Dafydd Jenkins of Wales during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
This is slightly controversial as I’ve gone for Dafydd Jenkins over Joe McCarthy. Although both locks are exciting young prospects, Jenkins already looks more polished and assured, despite being almost two years younger. However, a fully fit and firing Maro Itoje will also be hard to keep out of the side also.
5. Tadhg Beirne
16 March 2024; Tadhg Beirne of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Captain contender? Maybe. Nailed on starter? Absolutely. Tadhg Beirne is one of Ireland’s all time great second row forwards and for good measure. A Lion in 2021, Beirne is posed to be influential once more, and is currently taking applications for a partner, rather than asking for inclusion.
6. Ollie Chessum
9 March 2024; Ollie Chessum of England wins possession in the lineout against Tadhg Beirne of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Without a powerful tighthead lock or wrecking ball number eight, then we need someone to act as a mix of both. Step forward England’s Ollie Chessum. At 6’7” and 118 kilos, the lock-flanker hybrid can bring a versatile link between power and disruption.
7. Ben Earl
9 March 2024; Ben Earl of England celebrates winning a penalty during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
England’s most explosive carrier has finally stepped up to the plate at international level, with form mirroring his showings with Saracens. Earl has long swapped between openside and number eight, and with Jenkins and Chessum starting, he could be freed up to do damage.
8. Caelan Doris - captain
16 March 2024; Caelan Doris of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Caelan Doris spent most of 2021 sidelined and ultimately missed that year’s tour to South Africa, but he also looks nailed on to travel this time. A rising leader too, the Mayo native could be in with a shout at captaincy also.
Substitutes
Ronan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Zander Fagerson, Maro Itoje, Rory Darge; Ben White, Finn Russell, Huw Jones
There is a long way to go until the next Lions tour. They will run out on Lansdowne Road before departure, and if recent form is anything to go by, they will be getting a large home send-off.
