British & Irish Lions player profiles: The backs
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland will oversee a 37-man squad captained by Alun Wyn Jones for the eagerly-awaited tour of South Africa this summer.
Here’s a closer look at Gatland’s backline selections for a trip that is highlighted by three Test matches against the world champion Springboks.
Backs
Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Full-back
Age: 29
Club: Exeter Chiefs
Caps: 85
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Scotland captain will challenge strongly to make the Lions Test team. A complete full-back who is a leader and has Lions tour experience.
Liam Williams (Wales)
Position: Full-back/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. Versatile and solid, a player Gatland can rely on.
Anthony Watson (England)
Position: Full-back/wing
Age: 27
Club: Bath
Caps: 51
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Outstanding and consistent form makes a Test team place highly likely. Has had injury problems but looks red hot going into the tour.
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. Can play on either wing which should help his Test chances.
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. So much potential and has pace to burn.
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Position: Wing
Age: 26
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.
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 who provides solidity in midfield.
Elliot Daly (England)
Position: Centre
Age: 28
Club: Saracens
Caps: 52
Lions Tests: 3
Form guide: Offers Lions experience from the 2017 tour and versatility in the back division. Also has a booming left boot which could come in handy in South Africa.
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. Excellent defensively in the 13 channel.
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Position: Centre
Age: 28
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. Has developed so much in recent years but is still underrated.
Owen Farrell (England)
Position: Fly-half/centre
Age: 29
Club: Saracens
Caps: 93
Lions Tests: 4
Form guide: Proven Lions pedigree in 2017, and although he struggled for consistent form during this season’s Six Nations, is also an excellent leader.
Dan Biggar (Wales)
Position: Fly-half
Age: 31
Club: Northampton Saints
Caps: 92
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Favourite for the Lions Test fly-half role after starring for Wales in their Six Nations title-winning campaign and at club Northampton Saints.
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Position: Fly-half
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 and will hope to prove any doubters wrong on the biggest of stages.
Conor Murray (Ireland)
Position: Scrum-half
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 as he’s recently recaptured his form.
Ali Price (Scotland)
Position: Scrum-half
Age: 28
Club: Glasgow Warriors
Caps: 42
Lions Tests: 0
Form guide: Has landed one of the Lions scrum-half roles following a solid season with Scotland. Busy around the base, he’ll be pushing for a bench spot.
Gareth Davies (Wales)
Position: Scrum-half
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 and is likely to battle with Price for a place in the Test 23.
Planet Rugby - Interview with Gary Teichmann - Key Match-Ups
Former South Africa captain Gary Teichmann believes the front-row battle in the Lions series is going to be crucial. He believes what happened to England in the Rugby World Cup final in 2019 will be playing on the Lions' minds going into this tour and feels the Boks' tight five will be really important in the battle. He is disappointed, however, that there's no younger fly-half option with veterans Elton Jantjies and Morne Steyn acting as back-up for Handre Pollard.