British & Lions tour 2025: Dark horses and bolters

With the British & Lions tour to Australia on the horizon, there is always a lot of discussion around the main starting fifteen - who is going to lead the squad as captain and who will marshal the troops from the ten jersey.

But one aspect that doesn’t get as much attention, yet remains a recurring theme on every Lions tour, is the emergence of ‘bolters,’ writes Sports News Blitz rugby writer Jacob Garrett.

What is a ‘bolter’?

The term ‘bolter’ has become synonymous with the Lions squad, describing players who seemingly come out of nowhere and force their way onto the plane through standout performances.

Take Marcus Smith on the 2021 tour, for example. Fresh off his England debut, he was flown to South Africa to join the squad.

Though he didn’t feature against the Springboks, the Harlequin played a key role in dismantling the Stormers in a midweek clash.

In this article, I’ll predict which players could become ‘bolters’ for the 2025 tour - one from each nation, plus some honorable mentions.

Perhaps a player hitting top form in the Six Nations could carry that momentum into the rest of the club season and make a late push for selection

England: Ollie Chessum

Despite being a well-known and high-quality operator, Ollie Chessum’s name hasn’t often been mentioned in discussions about earning the prestigious Red Shirt.

After battling early-season injury woes, the Tigers lock has found his stride, impressing for both club and country in his one Six Nations opportunity so far.

From a club perspective, Chessum has worked hard to improve his carrying game, establishing himself as one of Leicester’s premier ball carriers while maintaining his excellence in the lineout and his overall mobility around the park.

His first Six Nations appearance of the year, against Scotland, was quietly exceptional.

Playing 79 minutes in the second row is an achievement in itself - especially in a contest as fiercely fought as this year’s Calcutta Cup.

The biggest testament to his quality came in the 78th minute. With Glasgow’s Stafford McDowall bursting through on a brilliantly disguised inside line, it looked certain that Scotland would score under the posts.

But Chessum, showing incredible work rate, sprinted from the opposite side of the breakdown to bring him down just before the five-metre line.

Although the Scots scored a phase later, the Tiger’s defensive effort forced the try out wide, making the crucial conversion far more difficult - one that Finn Russell ultimately pulled just left of the uprights.

Thanks to Chessum’s moment of brilliance, England reclaimed the Calcutta Cup after four years of nothing.

Through the lock's work rate in the dying embers of the match he changed the try being scored right in front of the posts to just off the left touchline - a moment which has not been discussed nearly enough in the last couple of weeks post England win.

This combination of relentless work ethic, athleticism, and dependable lineout play makes Chessum a strong contender for Lions selection.

The second row is a fiercely competitive position, but if he stays fit for the rest of the season, he has a real shot at not only making the squad but potentially forcing his way into the Test side come summer.

Honorable mentions for England

Fin Baxter

With England relatively light on options at loosehead, could the Harlequins prop make a late surge for selection?

If he shores up his scrummaging, there’s no doubt he has the ability around the park to warrant a look.

Asher Opoku-Fordjour

The Sale Sharks youngster has been outstanding in his short professional career.

Despite Steve Borthwick limiting his game time, could Farrell turn to the promising tighthead if England find themselves short in that department?

A late call-up for tour experience wouldn’t be out of the question.

READ MORE: British & Irish Lions news: Eight players Andy Farrell must select for Australia tour

Ireland: Jamie Osborne

Another top-quality talent emerging from the Leinster setup.

Jamie Osborne’s shot at a Lions call-up could hinge on his incredible versatility.

Primarily a centre, the 23-year-old is capable of covering the entire back three - showcasing that adaptability with a standout performance at fullback against Wales in Gameweek 3, where he also finished off a well-taken try.

On a Lions tour, versatility is always a huge asset. With ten games across the trip, having players who can slot into multiple positions is invaluable, whether it’s to cover injuries or rotate key starters.

His game time in the green jersey may increase in the final two rounds of this year’s Six Nations.

With Garry Ringrose suspended for the France match, a spot on the bench could open up for the Leinster youngster.

A strong showing in a game of that magnitude could certainly catch the eye of any coach.

And with Andy Farrell set to lead the Lions, could familiarity work in Osborne’s favour if his name comes up in discussions?

Honorable mention for Ireland

Gus McCarthy

Another young Leinster talent, the hooker fits the modern mold of a dynamic No. 2.

Much like his club and country’s first-choice, Dan Sheehan, McCarthy boasts athleticism and mobility, operating almost like a third flanker.

If Leinster finish the season strong and he locks down the No. 16 shirt for both province and country, could he make a late push as a bolter?

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Scotland: Jamie Ritchie

The former Scotland captain was seemingly overlooked coming into this year’s Six Nations but has been outstanding in the competition.

After having the armband taken from him by both Finn Russell and Rory Darge, the Edinburgh openside has responded in style.

With four breakdown steals - the second-most in the competition - Ritchie has quickly reestablished himself as one of the most dangerous jackal threats among the four nations.

His performance against England was exceptional, with his ability to not only steal possession but, more crucially, slow down ruck speed.

His defensive presence at Twickenham disrupted England’s attack, often forcing them to resort to kicking after nullifying any momentum generated by their back three on the counter.

Scotland also used Ritchie as a primary chaser on their box-kick clearances, relying on his breakdown skills and athleticism to pressure opposing teams’ runners and either slow or steal possession after the kick.

With the back row - flankers in particular - being one of the most competitive positions in the Lions setup, can the Edinburgh star force his way onto the plane?

Honorable mention for Scotland

Ben White

One of the most underrated players in this year’s Six Nations. With the exciting Jamie Dobie waiting in the wings as his understudy, White’s quality is sometimes overlooked.

He is a brilliant facilitator of attack, providing secure ball distribution and a strong kicking game, giving Russell and co. the platform to create.

Scrum-half is a highly competitive position, but outside of Jamison Gibson-Park, there’s room for debate. Could the Scottish No. 9 find his way onto the trip to Australia?

Wales: Max Llewellyn

The Gloucester centre, who was massively overlooked by Warren Gatland, has been outstanding in the Premiership this season.

With Gloucester’s refreshed attacking approach, the Welshman has been given the license to create and get plenty of involvements.

Llewellyn’s combination of size and athleticism is what truly stands out.

His versatility - being able to play both inside and outside centre, as well as on either wing - makes him a dynamic and powerful option, often used to generate momentum for this free-flowing Glouster side.

With Wales now under the guidance of Matt Sherratt, a coach known for his backline-focused, attack-minded approach, there’s a real opportunity for the team to play with more freedom.

This is where Llewellyn could shine, potentially forcing his way into the Lions conversation as an outside shout.

Honorable mention for Wales

Dewi Lake

The Ospreys hooker is an exceptional talent who, if not for injuries, would likely be one of two Welsh players (alongside Jac Morgan) almost guaranteed a spot on the Lions tour.

However, his injury setbacks have limited his Six Nations opportunities. With Luke Cowan-Dickie and Scotland’s Johnny Matthews making strong impressions early in the tournament, the competition for the hooker position is fierce.

That said, Lake is back fit and named in Wales’ squad for the next gameweek. If he can quickly rediscover his form and fitness, he’s certainly in with a strong chance of making the trip Down Under.

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