Backs
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Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Fullback
Age: 28
Club: Exeter
Caps: 85
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Scotland captain will challenge strongly to make the Lions Test team.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5AJUSKFKS3J5P2PTXVQAELQ3KI.jpg?auth=6f0bc3cf67205ce61d8f9b510bedac6c443e0590af9aa69e7a7b0443f4354545&width=400&height=225)
Liam Williams (Wales)
Position: Fullback/wing
Age: 30
Region: Scarlets
Caps: 71
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Huge success on the Lions' 2017 New Zealand tour, and his form has not waned.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WQ336MV4CGE4W6VILFR2E7QBL4.jpg?auth=551bd8ec0a0587d4b1df25b0a0201452d5b496ad2c50f7f90e6f4d0976b4e231&width=400&height=225)
Anthony Watson (England)
Position: Fullback/wing
Age: 27
Club: Bath
Caps: 51
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Outstanding and consistent form makes a Test team place highly likely.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YAUE4SSM6DY2M4ZOYCTGJGC43I.jpg?auth=09b7967280f2a155f096fbc64937e9995d2b7c4e7b29cf6da464730c139b99b0&width=400&height=225)
Josh Adams (Wales)
Position: Wing
Age: 26
Region: Cardiff Blues
Caps: 32
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Top try-scorer at the 2019 World Cup, his finishing ability is unquestioned.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/C7ZIPL3SSRBDP64Y62ZVJVBPC4.jpg?auth=7b0547c33ec40994184553aa5d2f5abcbdfd09fd088824bdf1e2ab8549af250e&width=400&height=225)
Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
Position: Wing
Age: 20
Club: Gloucester
Caps: 9
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Burst on to the Test scene this season and made a blistering try-scoring impact.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/L44DGCHBU6N6KP3SDRPXMBCTVE.jpg?auth=1330888da047571d88f78a13f13396169088b0a2043f1ea3eb3287a7e3edbedd&width=400&height=225)
Duhan Van Der Merwe (Scotland)
Position: Wing
Age: 25
Club: Edinburgh
Caps: 10
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Eight tries in 10 Tests underlines the finishing ability of the South Africa-born wing, who qualifies for Scotland on residency.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Y5G5KKPHX5VH36RO4C7WLY3N2I.jpg?auth=eab0c81e3581a269c0970f6a2364339483a19e1b605851d58746f5e03dc2ba2d&width=400&height=225)
Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Position: Centre
Age: 31
Province: Connacht
Caps: 31
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: A real left-field selection by Lions boss Gatland, but the Ireland centre is an experienced campaigner.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EQHJ4JKFT4BGCHTMFHDMKG346I.jpg?auth=d648b749512847c51af5cb8bd3f72acc38baf0787a8a4993c15981f1f51fd238&width=400&height=225)
Elliot Daly (England)
Position: Centre
Age: 28
Club: Saracens
Caps: 52
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Another surprising selection, given his poor form in the recent Six Nations, but he has Lions experience.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7QLANHV7PYGXVMDJHJOEPZMYPI.jpg?auth=439d5cfcf2885a2b0e54c89d9fa0073cb2121ff42d14f26329c7f8e4a2057aee&width=400&height=225)
Chris Harris (Scotland)
Position: Centre
Age: 30
Club: Gloucester
Caps: 28
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Outstanding for Scotland in the Six Nations this season, and deserves his Lions chance.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3ZZ2DSWWKVRGE2YYIK6KDAI7OE.jpg?auth=1ccd0044b758c522b0ebc28e455b68d0f90ae74b344891285ee1037e93265070&width=400&height=225)
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Position: Centre
Age: 27
Province: Leinster
Caps: 52
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: The form centre in this season's Six Nations is on course for a Lions Test spot.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HNRZYBZHDA7DQQHUDJIXJE3U54.jpg?auth=4e7fc50fcb11c1c166d34e40ca1136fe1da830d5b9df9d41026ce781eb661a9d&width=400&height=225)
Owen Farrell (England)
Position: Outhalf/centre
Age: 29
Club: Saracens
Caps: 93
Lions Tests: 4
Form guide: Proven Lions pedigree in 2017, but struggled for form during this season's Six Nations.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/64LK6VBLKGTYTUEAXD7YGXA4M4.jpg?auth=36ee8ee0d8b54dd75f55ba6fbbab3303a8d30a638e4545c71aa3c8dc05b9cbfc&width=400&height=225)
Dan Biggar (Wales)
Position: Outhalf
Age: 31
Club: Northampton
Caps: 92
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Favourite for the Lions Test outhalf role after starring for Wales in their Six Nations title-winning campaign.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CAVVZQFKQUTCLIYV3AI4IORHEA.jpg?auth=07a6d2e9e15c2692fb26f49d438ac1cf73be879c13917788d6f616ff3776a2dd&width=400&height=225)
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Position: Outhalf
Age: 28
Club: Racing 92
Caps: 55
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Playmaker who shone for Scotland in the Six Nations. Magical on his day.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OOKI7CDYBI6T4M755JKY2FRFOA.jpg?auth=d7b95456d3805a6af582657bf7a800afe88237699a00c6597f4923025bff361d&width=400&height=225)
Conor Murray (Ireland)
Position: Scrumhalf
Age: 32
Province: Munster
Caps: 89
Lions Tests: 5
Form guide: Hugely-experienced player who was key for the Lions in New Zealand four years ago. Test place likely.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VRNNLFGXJRZKFIUMW3JMQLXRBQ.jpg?auth=054225a3cc61d4066c2f5acee5ce6993542b0a83fecf6839b3817f1dc9c261ee&width=400&height=225)
Ali Price (Scotland)
Position: Scrumhalf
Age: 27
Club: Glasgow
Caps: 42
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Has landed one of the Lions scrumhalf roles following a solid season with Scotland.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VLOQ2BFZ6Z4J5PWXFVVNHS35JU.jpg?auth=1cfa4c9f23cc5f15f11216f52cf53beb84c4b44a4c0793f1327b9883223fae62&width=400&height=225)
Gareth Davies (Wales)
Position: Scrumhalf
Age: 30
Region: Scarlets
Caps: 62
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Possesses searing pace and an eye for tries, he can change games in an instant.
Forwards
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Wyn Jones (Wales)
Position: Prop
Age: 29
Region: Scarlets
Caps: 35
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Impressive during Wales' Six Nations title campaign this year. Strong Test team claims.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4HP5WBRJJS4SIERF2URCYO5BOE.jpg?auth=db955525aa863237335903bcb3acc06ce140d3a783a53c80d41ba88228f51446&width=400&height=225)
Mako Vunipola (England)
Position: Prop
Age: 30
Club: Saracens
Caps: 67
Lions Tests: 6
Form guide: Had his share of injuries, but offers an enormous amount of quality and experience.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IB2FQ5IB2HQUCWKOUEOJWZSYFQ.jpg?auth=d286acc7deb2482303dc28708d11c1f01712badeb1e6f1efaea2076090ace681&width=400&height=225)
Rory Sutherland (Scotland)
Position: Prop
Age: 28
Caps: 16
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Impressed for Scotland this season through admirable consistency.
Deserves his Lions chance.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/REL7GA6NWSQQC46U6OSVODPU24.jpg?auth=0a0ab91d904a0cdf80c8fe2a4e336d01b0c7a9ba88c43564df130b1b852950a7&width=400&height=225)
Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Position: Prop
Age: 25
Club: Glasgow
Caps: 38
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Solid performer for Scotland this season, who is part of a strong Lions frontrow contingent.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RA6HURJLBNHEI3X2SSWSE4L3WQ.jpg?auth=efd3d641cfcf72137cde199c2a13e34ba3be09c03d83ee61f8f359d8d96036db&width=400&height=225)
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Position: Prop
Age: 28
Province: Leinster
Caps: 49
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Currently shades the contest for a Test team place.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AITPD4TGRDKWM5U53UM6ZDX5PY.jpg?auth=fb133d9d9cc35da5a957b676a8bd65cbea480b1b27d18135832d699b43002072&width=400&height=225)
Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Position: Prop
Age: 25
Province: Leinster
Caps: 37
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Behind Furlong in the pecking order for Ireland and Leinster, but a player who consistently impresses.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OOAMMNFF4IOP6F777KIQISPFOI.jpg?auth=d018e4dcd6d5820bff6265829caf2426810c2532959c280de711a89833dda4b0&width=400&height=225)
Ken Owens (Wales)
Position: Hooker
Age: 34
Region: Scarlets
Caps: 82
Lions Tests: 2
Form guide: Returned from injury to shine in this season's Six Nations. An experienced leader.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FQWR4HS42DP26WFFIPDRYFCG2U.jpg?auth=5b7f3833c86a496bffd589f819796a5dc2d2c170771dd622d98ec4bb510785ae&width=400&height=225)
Jamie George (England)
Position: Hooker
Age: 30
Club: Saracens
Caps: 59
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Key Lions Test team performer in 2017, and will have a thirst for more action in South Africa.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ASIIQ5DIAY46IGEL2TNUQ4LXX4.jpg?auth=b5fd599ec0df85d8a513f8859e3ee444b22a67119c1248b3d82c5f36f5392036&width=400&height=225)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
Position: Hooker
Age: 27
Club: Exeter
Caps: 31
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: A destructive forward who is a handful for any opponent. Will relish his Lions chance.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KMSFKARTSCYODWJBXX7JRUOOLU.jpg?auth=475d879c3c46feaeafd694b558693ff84eaf24f3512fd01dcaf5bdad0de610f9&width=400&height=225)
Maro Itoje (England)
Position: Secondrow
Age: 26
Club: Saracens
Caps: 48
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Likely to be among the first names on Gatland's Test team-sheet. World-class.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUU3N3O4ZYHMLLLOQ6WPA33UCQ.jpg?auth=ffbada83dbe3761a8ce75bc9998eb821fb5e1f754b6087cd6ec4309b53f9a5b1&width=400&height=225)
Jonny Hill (England)
Position: Secondrow
Age: 26
Club: Exeter
Caps: 9
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Continues his rapid emergence on the international scene with his Lions selection. All-action performer.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IFRICAUXYGBD2CHAH7TG264HFA.jpg?auth=803070f3a647761e69b903c9a19ca25f95692143ba821534db1b52ec17f37499&width=400&height=225)
Courtney Lawes (England)
Position: Secondrow
Age: 32
Club: Northampton
Caps: 87
Lions Tests: 2
Form guide: Currently sidelined through injury, but should be back in action soon. Could make a major Lions contribution.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/G3BYDJUFHRGODUXV2KKOVOTHOI.jpg?auth=4703d6bf5e6da80ad312af3490da4b254cb464729a9b998c14ba5a55c63a156a&width=400&height=225)
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales, captain)
Position: Secondrow
Age: 35
Region: Ospreys
Caps: 148
Lions Tests: 9
Form guide: Gatland's choice as captain is the squad's most experienced player. Fourth Lions tour, and remains in peak form.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QWP4Z5BNZAX2ZE4AXHCQAWMOIU.jpg?auth=f27ec8a253b24422352fbc449b58cff8c2e7edfb9e0ac6a3e62a8aa7257c0242&width=400&height=225)
Iain Henderson (Ireland)
Position: Secondrow
Age: 29
Province: Ulster
Caps: 63
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Will be an important part of the squad. Vastly-experienced and a possible midweek team captain.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SFVVU4QTEVBDF6ODQKJMN7DG6Q.jpg?auth=9d454a46626e59b7751f0cf61d66af7b5c957b87b118cee723054288e252e744&width=400&height=225)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Position: Secondrow/backrow
Age: 29
Province: Munster
Caps: 22
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Consistency personified for Munster and Ireland. Will be in Test team shake-up.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5ASEM547QQHFAWKHR6YLLX4EKY.jpg?auth=5109e7ca518f5c085519ed4291f69fa02a2b6248dcc7a9acd09b0bc0b72b339c&width=400&height=225)
Jack Conan (Ireland)
Position: Number eight
Age: 28
Province: Leinster
Caps: 28
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Outstanding in Leinster colours over an extended period. Strong performer.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IGWJ3PVM7HOV2UMVCBXY2T6G4E.jpg?auth=79416e42577c8f3ef5fd10624dfdd09cd4f6cc8af4eeee2f1d3fa16d6d800adc&width=400&height=225)
Tom Curry (England)
Position: Flanker
Age: 22
Club: Sale Sharks
Caps: 33
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: One of the world's finest players on current form. Appears a Test team certainty.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SG7SG4P5ZYCO27IZT3CBMWG2R4.jpg?auth=ce19125f2be664a23dfcbc7bb39cba3390e5f8cbf061f0d6ba8842fb3863d0cd&width=400&height=225)
Justin Tipuric (Wales)
Position: Flanker
Age: 31
Region: Ospreys
Caps: 85
Lions Tests: 1
Form guide: One of the most naturally-gifted forwards in world rugby. Strong in all departments.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PL3AQ56AULRWGYIZ33PYCN5WP4.jpg?auth=4218241fb96a7e22732be49102b4172ffd325221322cf2ac03a5930aa1f38a19&width=400&height=225)
Hamish Watson (Scotland)
Position: Flanker
Age: 29
Club: Edinburgh
Caps: 41
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: This season's Six Nations player of the tournament who is rightly among Gatland's backrow riches.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/S5R4RO2HRN6VUM6KE3MWYWCERM.jpg?auth=d0f3709d2ddabe9c1063ab1ab4a77f4680a18dcd3515db75b704983fda2f86c7&width=400&height=225)
Sam Simmonds (England)
Position: Number eight/flanker
Age: 26
Club: Exeter
Caps: 7
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Overlooked by England boss Eddie Jones since 2018, but is arguably the Premiership's most consistent player.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SF7UDCTWRRA4MOZ2W2LWWHEIQM.jpg?auth=fc7ef08f9aacec19f5e5de1b393c78450ce25a9b421ed61c60cbb28e044127ee&width=400&height=225)
Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Position: Number eight/flanker
Age: 30
Club: Bath
Caps: 86
Lions Tests: 4
Form guide: Test team certainty. Back to his very best, which will be a concern for the Springboks.