The six Lions fly-half contenders – and who Andy Farrell should pick ...Middle East

British & Irish Lions selection always provides tricky decisions, but ahead of this summer’s Tour of Australia the role of fly-half remains wide open.

As head coach Andy Farrell aims to lead the Lions to their first series win in 12 years, the selection on 8 May will set the tone for the Tour ahead.

But with six contenders all vying to stake their claim for role in the squad that will travel to Australia in July and August, The i Paper looks at who should go.

Finn Russell during Scotland’s match against France at Stade de France (Photo: Getty)

Before the Six Nations, Russell’s selection as first-choice fly-half for the tour seemed set in stone. The talisman for Scotland and Bath seemed like the natural successor, having toured with the Lions twice – first in 2017 before returning in 2021 after an Achilles injury.

With 87 caps for Scotland, the 32-year-old is one of the more experienced contenders in the position. If selected alongside a Scottish-inclined backline, Russell’s flamboyant style would pose a threat, in particular with the potential return of Sione Tuipulotu in the centre.

Alongside compatriot Huw Jones or Ireland’s Bundee Aki, Russell and Tuipulotu would give the Lions an attacking advantage and necessary speed in the backline.

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Russell’s Lions selection is in doubt after his wayward 2025 Six Nations performances off the tee led to crucial points being dropped, most notably missing three conversions in the 16-15 loss to England.

He had the lowest goal-kicking success in comparison to the other Lions contenders in the tournament, only slotting 70 per cent of his attempts, with Sam Prendergast fractionally better.

Narrow defeats are never completely down to the kicker, so the England loss should not be the sole reason Russell misses out.

But the selection of former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton as assistant coach could be a sign that Russell’s name is no longer top of selection, following comments about the “flashy” and “media darling” Scotsman.

No matter how much Sexton’s opinion is listened to, Russell’s squad selection seems safe, but his recent rollercoaster performances may jeopardise his place in the starting XV in Brisbane on 19 July.

Fin Smith

As England’s new first choice, Fin Smith went from strength to strength in the Six Nations, playing himself into contention for his first Lions tour.

With 11 Test caps and four starts, his inexperience did not seem to impact performance, with nearly 90 per cent goal-kicking success and 83 per cent successful tackles.

Smith’s 50-metre penalty goal against Wales and his cross-field kick to Tommy Freeman on the wing against France exemplified the 22-year-old’s playmaking talents and provided plenty for Andy Farrell to chew on.

His relaxed personality is his trademark, and although his inexperience casts doubt, having stepped seamlessly into Dan Biggar’s boots at Northampton in 2022, it seems fitting for Smith to do the same with the Lions, taking the role of reserve to Russell’s starter.

Marcus Smith

Only three months ago, Marcus Smith seemed an obvious contender, but now looks the player with most to lose.

He was called up by Warren Gatland in 2021 as Russell’s injury cover, days after making his England debut against the US, and even started for the Lions in their 49-3 victory over DHL Stormers.

Since then, his role as fly-half has been reimagined in the England set-up, with Steve Borthwick utilising him as a full-back. After successive winning performances, Smith became the first choice ahead of Freddie Steward, and his Test abilities as a fly-half were sidelined.

But Smith has continued to be impactful for Harlequins in attack and defence, matching namesake Fin Smith in 73 per cent successful tackles made and 441 metres carried, the most of the Premiership fly-halves on the list this season.

With his versatility, perhaps Borthwick has strengthened Smith’s chances of selection as a utility reserve to Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn at full-back.

Sam Prendergast prepares a penalty kick against France (Photo: Getty)

The Irish fly-half’s talent is undeniable, and with Farrell’s role as his former head coach and Johnny Sexton’s involvement, Prendergast has been sculpted into what Farrell wants.

The 22-year-old stands out in a Leinster squad brimming with talent, and with continued strong showings during the Six Nations and after, he is still in Lions contention.

Looking at the numbers behind his recent Six Nations, Prendergast showed he still has areas of improvement, making only 57 per cent of tackles successfully.

George Ford

As Fin Smith rose to international prominence with England, Ford’s role in the squad was reduced, and seemingly, his international career had reached a conclusion.

But with everything Ford has achieved in his 99 international caps, “bolting” his way to a debut in the Lions would be a fitting way to reach his 100th.

Ford rejoined the conversation after producing a masterclass in the final 25 minutes off the bench against Wales in the Six Nations, contributing to two try assists and shutting down any naysayers who believed he had passed his best.

Even though he is regarded as the third-choice English fly-half, Ford has continued this strong performance in the Premiership and with his long career, he brings the experience that could be impactful on and off the pitch in the unique Lions set up.

Owen Farrell

The elephant in the room is Owen Farrell, whose selection in the squad would be controversial, considering he has not played internationally since 2023 and spent two months sidelined for Racing 92 with an adductor injury.

If Lions fly-half experience is considered necessary, he has the most, with impactful performances off the tee in his two previous tours – particularly in New Zealand (2017).

The i Paper’s verdict: Finn Russell (starting), Fin Smith (reserve), Marcus Smith (tourist)

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