The British & Irish Lions are set to unveil one of the most highly anticipated squads in recent memory late Thursday evening (AEST).
Coach Andy Farrell has several selection headaches as he tries to narrow down his squad to around 38 players.
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Rugby.com.au breaks down the five big questions heading into Thursday's announcement.
One of the big things about the British and Irish Lions squad announcement is which player will be given the honour of captaining the team.
It’s a little more intriguing this time with several of those skippers struggling to make the squad.
Ireland skipper Caelan Doris and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu are dealing with significant injuries. Tuipulotu is planned to return from injury in the next couple of weeks, while Doris is under a serious injury cloud from last week’s Champions Cup.
Doris is most likely to miss the tour, set to undergo scans on the shoulder injury.
Wales captain Jac Morgan is no certainty of being picked amid the plethora of back-row options and the Welsh’s recent struggles.
It leaves England’s Maro Itoje as the main option for coach Andy Farrell.
By the end of the Lions tour, 20-year-old Henry Pollock could have more Lions caps than England, such is the young back-rower’s rise.
Pollock is the talk of European Rugby after a breakout 2024-25 season for Northampton.
He was nominated for the Champions Cup Player of the Year for 2025 after helping the Saints to the Final.
His lone appearance for England ended in a double against Wales and has scored in his last five games for Northampton.
Pollock is a prodigal talent that will dominate Rugby for the next decade, but is July’s series too soon?
Flyhalf remains a contentious position for the British and Irish Lions squad.
Finn Russell seems the safest option but what happens outside of him is anyone’s guess.
Fin Smith ended the Six Nations as the clear England starter, with Marcus Smith moved to fullback.
Ireland's young gun Sam Prendegast seemed destined for a call-up, but the pressure is firmly on the 22-year-old after Leinster’s shock exit from the Champions Cup.
Then this is Owen Farrell, the son of coach Andy, who has the experience advantage over the rest and is the safest option.
It’s the awkward question for Lions selectors after a catastrophic 18 months for the Welsh national team.
Wales have not won a game since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, currently on a 17th game losing streak, which is the tied worst by a tier-one team in history.
This leaves several players on the outer for selection, with skipper Morgan the most likely to be selected.
Hooker Dewi Lake, prop Nicky Smith, outside back Blair Murray and scrumhalf Tomos Williams are fighting for squad spots.
The smallest representations by just one nation have been two players, which occurred with Ireland in 1993, and Scotland in 2009 and 2017.
Speaking of English back-rowers, Jack Willis would be a unique selection for Andy Farrell to call upon.
Willis is ineligible for England selection after signing with Toulouse, but can be picked for the Lions tour.
As Toulouse pushes for the title, the 28-year-old has been in spectacular form in the Top 14. In a squad full of superstars, Willis has been at the forefront.
Willis last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but his star power and hype have grown exponentially.
