The Scotland internationals in British and Irish Lions contention

Several Scotland internationals will be anxiously waiting to find out if they have earned inclusion in Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad for this summer’s tour of Australia.

The biggest Scottish contingent selected by the Lions was the nine who headed Down Under in 1989 and, despite an underwhelming Six Nations from Gregor Townsend’s side and a spate of untimely injuries, it is feasible that number could be matched or even eclipsed this time round.

Here, we runs the rule over the chances of 15 players who are sure to have featured in Farrell’s thoughts in the lead-up to Thursday’s squad announcement:

Blair Kinghorn: The Toulouse full-back is sure to be selected as long as a knee injury sustained at the end of last month does not prove problematic.

Huw Jones: Like Kinghorn, the Glasgow centre was named in the Six Nations team of the championship and appears nailed on for inclusion. Sidelined by an ankle injury since the final Six Nations match away to France in mid-March but could return for Glasgow this weekend.

Sione Tuipulotu: The Scotland captain has not played since January 10 after suffering a pectoral injury but is in contention to return for Glasgow this weekend. Another expected to get the nod from Farrell.

Tom Jordan: The New Zealand-born back could be a ‘bolter’, having caught the eye of many since his Test debut in November. Started four Six Nations matches in the absence of Tuipulotu and his versatility could appeal to Farrell.

Darcy Graham: Hindered by various injuries in recent seasons but has managed to stay fit for most of this year. A borderline contender given competition from others, but the jet-heeled wing will have the whole of Scotland willing him on for selection.

Duhan van der Merwe: Scotland’s record try-scorer is eyeing a second Lions call in succession after touring in 2021. Sidelined by an ankle injury since the end of March but expected to be fit later this month.

Ben White: The Toulon scrum-half will be in the conversation by dint of being a regular starting member of Scotland’s much-vaunted back line, but may miss out due to stiff competition from others in his position.

Finn Russell: The talismanic Bath stand-off looks certain to be called up for his third successive Lions tour, although the presence of Johnny Sexton, who has been critical of Russell in the not-too-distant past, on Farrell’s coaching staff muddies the waters slightly.

Zander Fagerson: The experienced tighthead would be assured of a place if not for an untimely calf injury. The latest noises from the Glasgow camp indicate he should be fit for action next month and will be able to go on a second successive Lions tour.

Pierre Schoeman: The Edinburgh loosehead has become a Scotland mainstay since his debut in 2021 and is entitled to feel he has a decent chance.

Scott Cummings: The Glasgow lock appeared to be motoring into contention at the end of 2024, but he has only just returned to action after a forearm injury ruled him out of the entire Six Nations and prevented him enhancing his claims. Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel, who is on Farrell’s staff, is a big fan of the dynamic second-rower.

Rory Darge: Having had an injury-free run and co-captained Scotland in the last two Six Nations, the Glasgow flanker’s stock is high.

Jamie Ritchie: The Edinburgh flanker had a difficult period after losing the Scotland captaincy in the wake of the 2023 World Cup but has roared back to prominence with strong form for club and country this season.

Matt Fagerson: The back-rower has been in excellent form for Glasgow and Scotland over the past 18 months, but an injury sustained last month appears to have killed off his hopes.

Jack Dempsey: The Australia-born number eight falls into a similar category to Cummings. Given a fair run, he would have had a strong claim, but injury has kept him out since the Six Nations win over Wales two months ago.