Farrell to reveal Lions squad for Australia on Thursday

LONDON – Andy Farrell will provide answers to some of the most widely discussed questions in rugby on May 8 when he reveals his British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia.

Has extraordinary 20-year-old England flanker Henry Pollock done enough to force his way into the hyper-competitive back-row mix?

Will Marcus Smith’s versatility be enough to earn a slot when there are half a dozen fullbacks and fly-halves – including Farrell’s son Owen – now seemingly ahead of him?

Will Ireland’s Caelan Doris be fit to travel, and if not, does Maro Itoje assume the captain’s role? How many Welsh players will travel on the back of their appalling run of 17 successive defeats?

Farrell is on a sabbatical from his role as Ireland coach and, with his assistants showing something of a green tint, that nation is likely to have the most representatives in the party on the back of their dominant form in recent years.

He has not said how many players he plans to take, but it is almost certain to be fewer than the 41 Warren Gatland led to New Zealand in 2017 or the 37 for South Africa in 2021.

One thing known about the former dual code international is that he puts huge importance on personality and attitude, and in any 50-50 call, he will lean towards the man who has demonstrated “teamship” and is made of the right stuff.

That makes the possible selection of his son, a proven Test and Lions operator, a viable option at fly-half, despite stepping away from England duties after the 2023 World Cup. Scotland’s Finn Russell looks nailed on, with young duo Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast also in the mix for three slots.

The back three looks more open, with probably only James Lowe and