The British & Irish Lions excursions invariably fashion both celebrated figures and dejection. While Andy Farrell’s collective of players brought forth several notable achievers, certain individuals will conclude feeling as though the summer eluded their grasp.
Presented below are the five most prominent selection disappointments emerging from the 2025 series.
Marcus Smith
The Harlequins maestro commenced the expedition perhaps as an external hopeful for the number 10 shirt, ultimately culminating in a mere substitute appearance during the inaugural Test. Smith has transitioned from being England’s primary fly-half at the commencement of the previous season to a versatile asset covering both 10 and 15, a designation that trailed him into Australia.
Despite now holding the title of a Test Lion, the journey has been inconsistent for a player previously heralded as the future of the Lions’ offensive formations.
Appearances: 7
Minutes: 225
Henry Pollock
Few athletes generated greater anticipation. At merely 20 years of age, Pollock was touted as the “next sensation,” with George Gregan recently drawing parallels between him and his former colleague, George Smith.
In contrast to Smith, who commenced all three Tests in 2001 and reappeared 12 years subsequently in 2013, Pollock did not participate in a Test series matchday squad of 23. Despite the fervor and glimpses of brilliance exhibited during the preparatory phases, the England flanker was ultimately deemed superfluous within a formidable back row. His opportunity will materialize – albeit not during this particular summer.
Appearances: 5
Minutes: 285
Josh van der Flier
The recipient of the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year award and the relentless Leinster player must perceive himself as afflicted by unfortunate timing. Displaying remarkable form for his province, he was unable to infiltrate the Test team, with Tom Curry securing the number seven jersey.
For a player of van der Flier’s caliber to be denied even a fleeting chance at Test engagement underscores the severity of Lions selection dynamics.
Appearances: 5
Minutes: 268
Fin Smith
If ever there existed a player marginalized by circumstances, it was Fin Smith. The Northampton fly-half appeared a robust contender to initiate or at minimum support Finn Russell, only for Owen Farrell’s subsequent inclusion to alter the established hierarchy.
Farrell’s aptitude to cover the centre position, coupled with his wealth of experience, superseded the claims of the younger Smith, relegating the Saints’ playmaker to spectator status as the individual he supplanted for England ascended to prominence.
Appearances: 5
Minutes: 291
Duhan van der Merwe
A luminary of the 2021 series held in South Africa, the Scotland winger endured an unfavorable tour this instance. His performance waned marginally, and the rivalry within the back three [insofar as it existed, given its status as a vulnerable facet for the Lions] proved excessively formidable. For a player formerly regarded as almost irreplaceable in Lions red, this occurrence must have served as a harsh reality check.
The entirety of the tour was not negative for Dewie. He surpassed 18 defenders, executed 8 breaks, and registered 5 tries.
Appearances: 5
Minutes: 329
