Alex Cuthbert: My British and Irish Lions XV

Right then, this shouldn’t cause any controversy! Let’s pick my British and Irish Lions Test XV…

Loosehead Prop – Ellis Genge

Starting in the scrum, something I know all about – not! – Ellis Genge is my loosehead. Outside of France, England had the best scrum in the Six Nations this year and Genge has been a key part of the set piece for them for years now.

Lions — 25.02.23 – Wales v England – Guinness Six Nations – Ellis Genge of England.

Hooker – Dan Sheehan (captain)

Sheehan captained Ireland for this year’s Six Nations, and while they didn’t manage to win a third straight title, the Leinster hooker’s performances did not disappoint.

No one in world rugby can do the things he does as a hooker and, with Andy Farrell as head coach, you can put your money on Sheehan scoring a test try from the wide channels.

Tighthead – Tadgh Furlong

We’ve seen props that can carry like centres or jackal like flankers, but Furlong can distribute like a flyhalf.

His recent injury troubles have kept him out of international rugby for a little while and allowed other players to get a potential look in, but you have to pick on experience for the Lions sometimes.

26.06.21 – British & Irish Lions v Japan – The Vodafone 1888 Cup – Tadhg Furlong of British & Irish Lions.

Lock – George Martin

Martin reminds me of where Itoje was just before the 2017 tour. The Leicester Tigers lock has everything he needs to get to the very top of the game. Itoje has played so much rugby for Saracens and England that come the summer he will be absolutely knackered. It’s a real toss-up between the two Englishmen.

Lock – Tadgh Beirne

If this tour was to New Zealand or South Africa, and the options in the back row not been as fierce, I may have been tempted to put Beirne at blindside and fit Itoje in.

Most importantly, though, the Irishman must start. He is an incredibly skilful ballplayer and as solid as anyone at the lineout.

26.06.21 – British & Irish Lions v Japan – The Vodafone 1888 Cup – Tadhg Beirne of British & Irish Lions runs in to score try.

Blindside Flanker – Tom Curry

The back row is so tough to pick. Each of the four nations had 7s who put in excellent performances in the Six Nations. Josh van der Flier – who missed out on the 2021 Lions tour – will have to sit out again, as will Scotland co-captain Rory Darge.

Curry is such an excellent all-rounder, he gives you so much flexibility in the rest of the back five.

27.02.21 – Wales v England – Guinness 6 Nations – Tom Curry of England.

Openside Flanker – Jac Morgan

Morgan has been Wales’ best player in a difficult period. His carrying is immensely underrated, and everyone knows how good he is over the ball. Outside shout to be captain too.

Number Eight – Taulupe Faletau

I know Caelan Doris will be the Lions number eight. I also know that Faletau may not even make the squad, let alone the test team.

But I love Taulupe. He is the most talented Welsh player of our generation and deserves the chance to go on another Lions tour.

15.03.25 Wales v England, Guinness Mens Six Nations – Taulupe Faletau of Wales.

Scrumhalf – Tomos Williams

Williams’ form for Gloucester has been unbelievable. Jameson Gibson-Park is Farrell’s man but no one outside of Antoine Dupont can do the things Tomos can.

Flyhalf – Finn Russell

Another maverick talent, Russell has matured into a high quality flyhalf. With England and Ireland unsure of their first choice 10s, Russell gets in.

Left Wing – James Lowe

The man with the biggest boot in Europe. Lowe is a fantastic finisher and such a strong carrier. Better all-round player than Duhan van der Merwe.

Inside Centre – Sione Tuipulotu

He has a race against time on his hands to be fit enough to tour, but there’s no other 12 like Tuipulotu. Bundee Aki showed touches of his 2023 form in the last Six Nations, but the Scottish centre is a level above when fit and firing.

03.02.24 – Wales v Scotland – Guinness Six Nations – Sione Tuipulotu of Scotland on the attack.

Outside Centre – Garry Ringrose

Lots of people seem to think that Huw Jones has this position in the bag, but Ringrose is my pick. Another one who was unlucky to miss out in 2021, Ringrose is a properly excellent defender and underrated attacking threat.

Right Wing – Darcy Graham

You need a difference maker in the back three and Graham is the best option. He beats so many defenders, even when he doesn’t make a break, he is causing chaos and opening spaces up for teammates.

12.02.22 – Wales v Scotland – Guinness Six Nations – Darcy Graham of Scotland.

Fullback – Hugo Keenan

The competition between Keenan and Blair Kinghorn is fierce but I’ve gone for the Irishman. Kinghorn offers the positional versatility, but Keenan is the better pure 15 for my money.

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