How Many Irish Players Will Make it into the Lions Squad for 2021?

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Warren Gatland’s plans for next year’s British and Irish Lions tour are well underway, and the former Wales head coach will be forced to make a number of tough decisions ahead of his side’s trip to South Africa. The Lions will play eight games in total with five warm-up encounters against local sides, followed by a potentially gruelling three-match test series against the Springboks.

With UK rugby fans already starting to pick their Lions XV, there is a terrific sense of anticipation surrounding the event, and despite initial concerns that the tour will clash with the rescheduled Olympic Games in Tokyo, it is still likely to be one of the most-watched sporting events of the calendar year. It is also likely to be one of the biggest betting events of the year, although it is likely to face some stiff competition.

The Kiwi faces a number of selection dilemmas and, although he will be picking players based on their recent performances, he must ensure that he opts for the perfect blend of English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish representatives. The infamous 1997 squad featured just four Irishmen, and a similar number of players hailing from the Emerald Isle could get the call this time around. So here, we take a look at five standout Irish players who will be hoping to earn a place in Gatland’s squad next summer.

James Ryan

Hailed as a natural leader, Ryan is one of Ireland’s most exciting prospects and is likely to be one of the first players on the plane. The Leinster lock will be 24-years old by the time the Lions head to South Africa and already has plenty of experience under his belt. With a Six Nations victory to his name and back-to-back Pro 14 titles, he could get the nod ahead of Alun Wyn Jones, who has been a virtual ever-present in the second row.

CJ Stander

The South African-born player will be desperate to get his second call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad and, after impressing on the international stage in recent years, he will surely be towards the top of many people’s lists. He faces stiff competition from Scotland’s Jamie Ritchie, although his significant physical presence could be just what the squad requires.

Robbie Henshaw

Henshaw suffered a tournament-ending injury during the Lions’ 31-31 draw with the Hurricanes back in 2017 and the talented centre will be determined to avoid a similar fate this time around. He may be selected as a squad player, however, his inclusion will allow Gatland to mix things up throughout the three test matches.

Josh Van Der Flier

Although he only had a limited opportunity in which to impress earlier this year, the Leinster man caught the eye at the 2020 Six Nations. The 26-year old is certainly playing with plenty of confidence and, although the lack of competitive action in 2020 may inevitably end up counting against him, he would be an extremely interesting and potentially exciting pick, if he was given the opportunity to shine next summer.

Garry Ringrose

Ringrose suffered a finger injury earlier this year and was forced to sit out of his side’s Six Nations defeat to England at the end of February. He was ‘very unlucky’ to have missed out in 2017, according to Gatland, and has continued to deliver on a consistent basis since his omission three years ago. He surely deserves to be given the chance this time around.

Ireland’s performance at the 2020 Six Nations was a mixed bag, however, they do possess plenty of talent, and at least four of their current squad are expected to be selected in the 2021 British and Irish Lions team. The imperious James Ryan is likely to be one of the first names on the team-sheet in South Africa, and he will surely be joined by a handful of his fellow countrymen.

 

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