In a surprising turn of events, Northampton's 20-year-old prodigy Henry Pollock has been selected to tour Australia with the British and Irish Lions this summer. This marks a meteoric rise for the young flanker, who only made his Premiership debut earlier this season. Pollock's inclusion is a testament to his rapid development and potential in the sport.

Meanwhile, former England captain Owen Farrell, who has been a stalwart for the Lions in previous tours, misses out this time. Farrell, currently with French side Racing 92, has only recently returned to full fitness, which likely influenced the decision. Despite his aspirations to represent the Lions once more, the 33-year-old will not be part of the squad.

In other notable omissions, Ireland's first-choice fly-half Sam Prendergast has been left out, with Finn Russell of Scotland and England's Fin Smith and Marcus Smith preferred as the stand-off options. The scrum-half position sees Tomos Williams as one of the few Welsh players included, alongside flanker Jac Morgan, marking an all-time low for Welsh representation in a Lions tour.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris, who was widely expected to be picked and even considered for the captaincy, will miss the tour due to a shoulder injury sustained in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Northampton.

England's Maro Itoje has been confirmed as the captain of the 38-strong squad, a significant milestone in his career as he continues to establish himself as a leader on and off the field.

This tour promises to be an exciting chapter for the Lions, with a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents like Pollock, set to take on the challenges in Australia.