Maro Itoje
is anticipated to be designated as the inaugural English captain
British and Irish Lions
Since Martin Johnson in 2001 when the team for this summer’s tour to Australia is announced on Thursday.
After excelling during the Six Nations and leading England to second place in his first stint as captain, Itoje emerged as the top contender for the position.
Streamlining the choice of hosting the 2017 and 2021 events
Lions
The tourist in charge mentioned is dealing with the shoulder injury suffered by his primary competitor, Caelan Doris. Surgery seems probable, which would likely sideline the Irish number eight for the whole tour.
Head coach Andy Farrell is set to reveal a team roster
Among 37 to 40 participants at a midday gathering at Indigo located within The O2 in London, which will attract an audience of around 2,000 people.
The captain will appear solo on stage, with the players discovering whether they’re included in the 10-match tour that starts against Argentina in Dublin on June 20 as their names are announced on Sky Sports.
Two standout individuals who might create a buzz when added are Owen Farrell and Henry Pollack.
Farrell has had a challenging first season with Racing 92 due to injuries; his performance has varied whenever he’s taken the field, and he hasn’t represented England since the 2023 World Cup. However, considering his status as a three-time Lions tourist and experienced international player, his attractiveness remains clear.
Whatever Pollock handles transforms into gold, as demonstrated by the 20-year-old England flanker during Northampton’s Champions Cup win against Leinster on Saturday—a match of world-class quality—showing he has what it takes to compete with contenders for Lions selection.
Against them is the fact that they compete for spots in the most fiercely contested roles on the team — the fly-half and back row positions.
Three playmakers will make the trip Down Under with Finn Russell leading the way to potentially face the Wallabies. Following the unpredictable Scotsman are Fin Smith, Sam Prendergast, Marcus Smith, Jack Crowley, George Ford, and Farrell.
Choosing the perfect threesome will be the main topic of conversation when Farrell and his assistants meet for their last discussion session in London on Wednesday, along with talks about the loose forwards.
Doris’ ill-timed injury threatens to deny the Lions a Test number eight, but it simultaneously opens up the possibility for Taulupe Faletau to embark on his third tour alongside the best players from Britain and Ireland in rugby.
Farrell’s parent has mentioned that every eligible player is under consideration, offering encouragement to individuals affiliated with French teams who aspire to be among those selected when Lions chair Ieuan Evans announces the chosen names.
Apart from Farrell’s son Owen, this opens the doors to the likes of Toulouse’s Blair Kinghorn and Jack Willis, even though they would most likely miss the start of the tour because of their Top 14 commitments.
Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi are also possibilities to make a squad that is expected to be comprised mainly of players from Ireland and England, with Scotland contributing a healthy contingent and Wales supplying as few as two or three.
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