'He would've done a phenomenal job' - Brian O'Driscoll says George Ford 'unfortunate' to miss out on British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia
Published 11/05/2025 at 19:15 GMT+1
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There were plenty of talking points when the 38-man squad for the British & Irish Lions' upcoming tour of Australia was announced. TNT Sports' Brian O'Driscoll and Ben Kay reflected on the inclusions and omissions, including notable absentee George Ford. The Lions begin their tour with a match against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, before travelling to Perth to face Western Force on June 28.
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Brian O'Driscoll said George Ford can count himself "unfortunate" not to have been included in the British & Irish Lions squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.
Fly-half Ford has 98 England caps and has impressed with Sale in the Gallagher Premiership this season.
But there was no place for the 32-year-old in Andy Farrell's 38-man squad.
"I think if you look at someone like George Ford, is there a better player in the UK and Ireland over the course of the last 30 or 40 years that hasn't yet played for the Lions?" former Ireland and Lions captain O'Driscoll said on TNT Sports' The Rugby Review. "I'd argue no.
"It does feel unfortunate, nearly 100 caps for his country, but doesn't get to play in a Lions series. He would've done a phenomenal job even as a third choice.
"In some ways I'm a little surprised they didn't go for him but then at the same time, Marcus Smith as likely third choice right now, has that ability to play at 15 as well, and then really ignite something if he comes off the bench."
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Asked for his thoughts on the squad as a whole, O'Driscoll added: "I don't think there are any major bolters as such. People will say there's one or two. [Henry] Pollock, I didn't see him as a bolter the last couple of months. For me, he was a shoo-in.
"Of course, there's 50-50 calls, the likes of Darcy Graham that maybe missed out and Mack Hansen, James Ryan got in.
"For the most part, it feels like a squad that's selected on high form and a nice balance of experience and youthful exuberance."
Former England and Lions second row Ben Kay suggested the squad selection could give an indication of how Farrell intends to play.
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"I just wonder if it gives a little bit away on Andy Farrell's thoughts and how he's going to play," Kay said. "Duhan van der Merwe's in there and James Lowe, so maybe he's thinking I need a big winger.
"The back row, the fact that he picked six locks but two of them can play six, means that you probably have two sevens in the back row. Maybe he wants to play a bit, maybe he's worried about the traditional Australian threat.
"I think he's picked a team that's going to go and play. The 10s are all attacking 10s.
"I think we're in a fantastic series if they go and try to meet Australia head to head."
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