BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD 1 YEAR OUT! Post 'Summer Tours' 2024 37 Player Squad

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD 1 YEAR OUT! Post 'Summer Tours' 2024 37 man squad. Who should be selected from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales if the squad was picked now?
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Rugby artwork in background courtesy of Blair Skivington www.etsy.com/u...

[@derek38fishing]

Keenan not injured, gone with 7's for the Olympics.

[@francisstreakybacon1012]

Doris has to start at 8 in my opinion, after the 6 nations, I thought Earl might’ve been pulling ahead but he was anonymous against ABs in both tests! However, Doris was best Irish player on the pitch for both tests, out muscling the Saffas!!

[@IverKnackerov]

Jeez…..looking at those options……the Convicts are gonna get absolutely pumped 🎉

[@Waywind420]

Depends, if aussies can get their best team on the field or not. They have talent but they don't have depth. Something like: 1) Angus Bell 2) Matt Faessler 3) Taniela Tupou 4) Lukhan Salakaia-loto 5) Matt Phillip 6) Liam Wright 7) Fraser McReight 8) Rob Valentini 9) Jake Gordon 10) Noah Lolesio 11) Marika Koroibete 12) Hunter Paisami 13) Len Ikitau 14) Andrew Kellaway 15) Tom Wright 16) Billy Pollard 17) James Slipper 18) Alan Alaalatoa 19) Jeremy Williams 20) Langi Gleeson 21) Tate McDermott 22) Tom Lynagh 23) Filipo Daugunu Would make for a decent challenge, especially with home ground advantage.

[@kh7431]

Mack Hansen will be back by then and in with a good shout, Stu McCloskey is an outside shot too

[@johnhanson5943]

He’s an Aussie. He shouldn’t tour. Makes it ridiculous when the Lions also use imports.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Dan Sheehan is out with a long term injury; Furlong has to be questionable - he was getting hamstring attention 10 minutes into the 2nd Test vs the Boks and was replaced minutes into the 2nd half. He really struggled in the scrum yesterday and (to me) he looks like he is struggling with injuries.

[@marktucker7976]

I agree Wainwright ridiculous to not consider him

[@richardredmond1463]

Irish supporter here...Wainwright all day long.

[@davidpearn2484]

Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan.

[@elliotharris3965]

I'd definitely agree here

[@c0222]

Jack Dempsey and Zander Fagerson are underrated.

[@nickc4033]

Baxter over Genge, all day long - offers more in both the set piece and loose 100% agree that Farrell will pick Jack Willis... Henry Arundel & Owen Farrell are also longshots worth consideration

[@chrishancock6728]

Wainwright at No 8 surely on the list

[@christopherdarby1043]

Wales have just lost a tour to Australia and came dead last in the 6N. The Lions really should stay well away from Wales players for this tour.

[@fraserposford144]

Can't see Wales not having a representative in the back row. At least Tommy Reffell or Jac Morgan will make the squad if they're fit

[@mrhairyman]

I'd assume a 3rd out half will def go, and it would be Jack Crowley. Faz would want him to gain the experience.

[@gordondarker4073]

The way Murray played in africa .....he could make the lions !

[@Paul-te8mz]

Many thanks for very interesting vid. Just a few comments from an Irish supporter. I suggest Murray did enough against the Boks to merit still being considered for inclusion, even a year out. And Keenan is not injured, he opted out of the SA tour to play with the 7s at the Olympics, as did France's Dupont. There is life for high class players in the 7s!

[@cameronmmj9291]

Honestly, Jones and Tuipuletu are a package deal. Their stock price has definitely gone up with away wins in Cardiff and London, but also at Munster and Pretoria in the URC semi and final respectively. Whether that form continues into 2025 remains to be seen.

[@denisg4288]

VD Merwe now Irish 😮. Conan will be in the mix. Another year of development and I can see Fin Smith overtaking Marcus.

[@itistrue101]

Considering it's the Wobblies they are facing Scotland alone would likely be enough.

[@user-xo6of9rj5r]

Pretty much spot on I think jack morgan will go instead of fagerson or darge

[@jonnybaynham1689]

Nice squad and very balanced. Dont think i can debate any of these - potentially Underhill or Ritchie for Fagerson but its a very dangerous looking team

[@eoinh3816]

Current team would be: Porter Kelleher Furlong Itoje Mccarthy Beirne Earl Doris JGP Russell Feyi Waboso Henshaw Ringrose Lowe Keenan George Genge Stuart Martin Cunningham South Vdf Mitchell Smith

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Sheehan is out with ACL damage.

[@davidpearn2484]

What no Dewi Lake 😂😂😂.

[@IverKnackerov]

Hmmm…let me guess…you’re Irish ? Just a wild stab in the dark

[@ruaridhcameron3863]

Willis is a lot better than Earl. I'd have Tuipulotu at 12 too but other than that I agree

[@canadiancontent352]

Vandermerve over Lowe. Tuipulotu over Henshaw. JVDF over earls

[@daveahern8649]

Outhalf is a pivotal position for an Andy Farrell team, his No 10 has to get through a huge amount of work and shapes the play through virtually every phase, Finn Russell is not the player to fulfil that role. He has a habit of going missing in big games and while he might have the best agent in world rugby, based on the size of the contracts he gets, he is no where near as good as he is made out to be. You take Crowley, his ability to shake of a bad kick or pass and get it spot on the next time is remarkable for a player of his age and vital in high pressure games.. Frawley may have gotten the headlines, and deservedly so for his drop goals, but it was Crowley who orchestrated much of the Irish play to keep us in contention to win late on. Crowley not only goes, he starts as well.

[@user-lc2nq2vu1m]

@daveahern8649 are you Irish by any chance ??? I can imagine making a case for Marcus Smith to be picked instead of Russell but not many other players . Bath were completely transformed by Finn Russell last season and he gets the most out of the players around him.

[@inamortz2372]

I think poor auld Furlong is past it at this stage, as much as it pains me to say. He hasn't looked right for the last two seasons.

[@MrRugbylane]

Yes I agree ... IRFU have barred any front row imports this season so I think they see the writing on the wall.

[@JackD87]

Great vid. Would be good to see how this compares with previous videos on selection. Next time!

[@robertgiannotti3510]

Good looking squad! Very similar to mine but for a couple of changes: # Kinghorn > Furbank and covers as the third 10 # Mack Hansen will 100% go if fit, then Slade over Freeman as a utility back (esp if taking 4 wings) # Jamie George > Kelleher on leadership - a potential midweek captain # Daf Jenkins as a fifth lock # Jack Dempsey > Matt Fagerson; Wainwright in the frame too # Probably bias but I think a fit Jac Morgan goes. If Earl is a floating option across 6, 7 & 8 you need two blindsides, two opensides and two 8s (CCS, Baird at 6; take your pick at 7; Doris + 1 at 8). Longer shots to watch out for that I wouldn't completely discount: # Taulupe Faletau is back training with Cardiff having missed an entire season with two arm break injuries. A generational 8 with USPs. # Owen Farrell - the nepo pick but ultra reliable and outstanding mentality # Josh Adams - one quiet season but still Wales' best wing and will be refreshed after getting the summer off # Nicky Smith - not rated by Gatland but the best loose head in Wales for a few years; Ospreys scrum was awesome last year and kept Gatland fave Gareth Thomas out of the starting line-up # Tom Curry - fascinated to see how he returns from injury medium to long term # Cam Redpath/Joe Hawkins - classy 10/12 options that are out of favour for Scotland/Wales respectively

[@ruaridhcameron3863]

Keenan Feyi Waboso Ringrose Tuipulotu Lowe Russell JGP Porter Sheehan Furlong Itoje McCarthy Lawes Willis Doris Bench: Lake Genge Fagerson Earl CCS Mitchell Smith Kinghorn

[@TheOne-uo7is]

Would love to see McCarthy and Martin play together at second row - cripple the Ozzy forwards for 50-60 mins then bring Itoje on. 👊🏼

[@julianmcwey866]

By the time selection comes around Osborne will be a certainty

[@davidwalker2402]

Ryan after yesterday Owen Farrell .

[@hughphillips5129]

Would love to see Courtney Lawes on the plane and he’s said he’s up for it if he’s picked

[@joedennehy386]

Dud you see the second test, cunningham south, was smashed, and lost possession. I doubt that he will be on the plane

[@vaovao1665]

If Lawes makes himself available…. He needs to be picked. Has only gotten better with age, would easily be my starting 6, and I’m Scottish

[@MrRugbylane]

Frawley will be on the plane. Watch this space.

[@markosborne6971]

Osborne if he has a good Autumn to be considered

[@Colin_Power]

Yeah Van Der merve that amazing wing who can't defend for his life

[@Runic254]

I don’t think Feyi-Waboso goes at all he’s been decent so far but Lowe, VDM, Steyn have been fit and are playing really well and Graham and Hansen are coming back from injury but are still better. If he keeps up the level of progress so far he’ll definitely make the 2029 NZ tour but too early for me this time around

[@nathanlewis3034]

my team so far would be: Porter, Sheehan, Furlong itoje, Martin CCS, Doris, Reffell Gibson park Russell Van de Merwe Aki Ringrose Lowe Furbank Bench: Lake, Genge, Bealham, Baird, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Keenan

[@mullinsjohnpaul]

No keenan is a lunatic decision.

[@eoinh3816]

Kelleher is far superior to Lake

[@BacanoDes]

Genuine question, might there be players who'd prefer not to be selected? Long season, family commitments... Australia is a long way and will be their winter. How much do they get paid to make the trip?

[@firecelt123]

Possible Welsh options, just maybes on talent.. not having a competitive front 3 last 12 months has hindered the show reels of players 4 to 15. If we had Irelands props, woukd be a totally differen proposition. Lake, Fender, Rowlands, Jenkins, Tziunza at 6, Wainwright, Morgan, Reffel, Felatau, T.Williams, B.Thomas Grady, Dyer, Grace, L.Williams. Wales beating England in Cardiff next 6N and running ireland close, pending on the prop fitness, will put a cat amongst the pidgeons.

[@dpg957]

osbourne for me as the utility player or frawley

[@christopherdarby1043]

The only thing funnier than England fans complaining about their favourite player not getting selected for England, is fans of all four nations whinging about their guy not getting picked for the Lions. Especially if an England player gets selected in their place.

[@eoinh3816]

Still not sure about Lake. Think he’s being a bit overhyped on touching down maul tries. I’d take George with Kelleher and Sheehan and have George as midweek captain. Also would take Will Stuart ahead of Bealham. Definitely would take James Ryan as 5th lock. Maybe even Chessum also who can play 6.

[@elliotharris3965]

Really why Stuart?

[@welshevo1]

As a Welsh man it pains me to say that I don’t think Wales has a single guaranteed lion at this point. I do think there are a group of guys who could go Jack Morgan, Dewi Lake, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Rio Dyer and Josh Adams. But by no means are any of those certs, in fact if I had to guess it would be 2/3 of the above group who go and maybe the others on standby.

[@adrianhall4547]

Wainwright in the back row instead of Fagerson.

[@CianMcCabe98]

Super super outside shout - will rees zammit be back playing rugby by then?

[@burniemaurins2382]

Chessum at 6 when fit, C-South may be on the bench for England later this year.

[@callum1971]

Fair team, I would be pretty surprised if tom curry isn't on the plane. He should hopefully have some game time by then.

[@armanrazaknazir5352]

Think sleightholme may be in with a shout, can't lie

[@jamesgill9223]

I see wainwright and lake for wales that’s it, I’d say most Irish and English making this squad!

[@Fisherjobi]

Faz could well be in for a tour. Also courtey lawes form if continued would out him in. Form is form

[@tim73639]

I'd go with lawes over fagerson in the back row, possible starter and would offer a lot off the field.

[@Toby-eg5jc]

Bro needs to get out of CCS arse he got shown up against the all blacks

[@nickrad6966]

Good squad: Out of it I'd go 1 Porter 2 Sheehan 3 Furlong 4 Itoje 5 Martin 6 Beirne 7 van der Flier 8 Doris 9 Gibson-Park 10 Russell 11 Lowe 12 Aki 13 Henshaw 14 Feyi-Waboso 15 Kinghorn 16 Lake 17 Genge 18 Fagerson 19 McCarthy 20 Earl 21 Mitchell 22 Smith 23 Freeman

[@tim73639]

Playing in their green away kit?

[@user-lc2nq2vu1m]

Huw Jones and his pace will be a real asset down under and I would have him in the squad instead of Henshaw . Would also want more pace on the wing so would substitute Nash / Slightholm / Graham for Lowe ( any of the 3 ) I have a feeling that we are going to have 14 Irish men with Owen Farrell as captain in the team

[@neillfotheringham211]

Johnny Matthews needs more game time for Scotland. He is the in form 2 ahead of Turner and Ashman

[@alancoleman6983]

Just change Liions jetseys for Leinster ones !!

[@spiced32]

Van Der Merwe qualified for Ireland now? Lol.. Jeez this gets you in the mood for the Lions tour already, plenty of time for guys to put their hands up though. With the Autumn Internationals and 6 Nations etc 🏉

[@richardstark9064]

No Ben White at 9?

[@IverKnackerov]

Baxter has to be ahead of Genge now. Ryan also if he backs up this weekends performance. Wouldn’t take Earl on the last two weeks performances.

[@bhuxtablesmith]

Theo Dan? I think he has a very good chance to go and is a bit like another Dan Sheehan

[@user-fd1yk6cy9b]

Kinghorn? Are you joking? Where’s Tom Curry and Underhill?

[@thepremiumbeannunber1736]

Not saying he would get in maybe he could but is someone like Dylan Richardson able to play for lions bc he plays for Scotland on ancestry and that’s all realy and always played in south africa

[@louixthompson8471]

Sam underhill and curry have to be there

[@chrisbartram6644]

Tommy Reffell? Wainwright? 🤨

[@stephenmugford7096]

Personally i can't see any Welsh getting in the team atm, i'd have Jamie George (experience) or Theo Dan (bolter) in as the hookers with Ali Price or George Horne in at scrum half. Other than that i can't disagree with any of those selections

[@MrNmitch17]

Lawes

[@copperpot998]

Is V De Merwe Irish ????

[@wingsandnachos496]

Pretty sure that’s Tompkins and not Morgan on the wall behind you?

[@rugbyanalyst]

Defo Morgan 😉

[@wingsandnachos496]

@@rugbyanalyst ha fair play mate - you know best! Love the content, keep it up!

[@neill392]

I think the shortest odds certainty is that Farrell will go, probably as captain.

[@michaelmartin2075]

I think the 4 nations should agree to use this tour with an eye on the 2029 tour in New Zealand. With all due respect to Australia, with Joe Schmidt, they will present a challenge but I think both England and Ireland, and maybe Scotland are at this point better than Australia with Wales rebuilding. With that in mind. I would pick the first 15, then I would impose an age limit of 31 on the rest of the squad. Secondly, I would expand the squad to 53. My thinking here is that in the last tour of Australia (which brings back angry memories for Irish and Scottish fans) it was difficult to fulfil the last fixture against the Brumbies. Some people were just off the plane. Shane Williams who was retired got called in. Tom Court who was visiting his Mum got called in. Everyone who failed to impress was playing and I think that cheapened the shirt and we lost. IMHO, you have to allow for failure and injuries. The best 23 was held back for the 1st Saturday test and there was 2 injuries that were expected to be fixed by the third test. This means that in a 37 man squad, you had 12 players to choose from, so some of the first team had to be bench cover. Players like Murray made the squad for the 3rd test bit this last fixture was a joke. Gatland went with the geography 6 in his next Lions tour which wasn't much better. Basically, for the last club game before the test to be in any way useful, you need to have about 4 backs not picked and 5 forwards. They would have trained with the squad but they wouldn't be capped as a Lion. Like Ronan Kelleher in the 2021 Lions tour. Matt Stevens was one of many, leftfield Squad picks from Gatland, Farrell, Catt and Rowntree, who was picked ahead of Ewan Murray and Mike Ross. While he might have had a good season in the Premiership, that season to merit his place, it was reported afterwards that he was seriously out of shape. By having a small squad of 37, Gatland was forced to pick him. Also have 3 outhalves, at least in the squad. Sexton and Farrell were the only 2 outhalves picked for that tour. I think Stuart Hogg ended up playing outhal for that Brumbies game. Also, by having an age limit and a squad of 53, maybe, it would be an idea to try to make sure that there is at least 10 players from each country in the squad. In the 2013 squad the squad was mainly Welsh and English.

[@22grena]

Australia have no chance

[@__Joestone__]

No Slade 😅

[@MikeyC92]

Would be tough on him to be left out of another tour but who would you not take in place of Slade?

[@neilgraham12]

Matt Fagerson can hardly get a game for Scotland. Jack Dempsey.

[@ianwallace505]

You have named everyone despite saying you wouldn't. Pointless analysis!

[@julianmcwey866]

You have van der merve in green !!! Just saying

[@jaketaylor9664]

Well he is South African

[@melishek0001]

​@@jaketaylor9664yawn

[@JamesGrrrr]

Think Underhill would be a big omission from this squad

[@thewargodking5463]

Didnt know van der merwe is irish? Haha

[@markrobinson5780]

I'd pick Donald Trump

[@markwatton6033]

The love affair with Genge continues

[@JackD87]

Also… Owen Farrel is going on tour.

[@BacanoDes]

He may not want to?

[@cornishpasty6926]

Owen Farrell??

[@ruaridhcameron3863]

Don't forget Lawes! Still far and away the best 6 in Britain and Ireland.

[@jamesgill6213]

Desperate post

[@nathanlewis3034]

I'd take Reffell over Van de Flier

[@mullinsjohnpaul]

Based off what exactly? 🤔

[@Colin_Power]

Mate you are so England biased

[@christianmccann9400]

Most he picked were Irish

[@hithere3035]

Looks like alot of Green to be honest. He selected 10 English and 8 Scottish, so i don't think it's that biased is it? Why don't you elaberate? Who out of the England players he selected wouldn't make it and who with? Just because they're selected doesn't mean they're first team.

[@patrickchilds2987]

What of his English selections fo you think are controversial?

[@kevinbermingham6186]

The lions concept is a farce in modern rugby . The Irish players should pull out of the tour altogether and concentrate on Irish rugby and growing the URC .

[@elliotharris3965]

Incredibly boring take

[@humanimpersonator]

Porter turner furlong Itoji Macarthy Earl Doris JVF Gibson park Russell Feya wabusso Laurence Ringrose Lowe Kinghorn/furbank