Gavin Hastings picks England exile ahead of Scotland wingers in Lions XV

Scotland great, Gavin Hastings, has recently added his expertise to the British and Irish Lion’s social media pages ahead of this year’s tour to Australia. The 63-year-old recently chose his Lions starting XV for the opening test against the host nation – but his choices have come under much scrutiny.

For a proud and very successful Scotsman, you’d have forgiven the great man if he had filled his squad with dark blue, but what many won’t be able to forgive is an overwhelming blanket of white.

That’s correct. One of Scotland’s greatest-ever players has selected more England players in his Lions squad than his countrymen. There’s no place for Huw Jones, Darcy Graham, Jamie Ritchie, or many other talented Scotsmen. In fact, the only three Scottish players who have made the squad are Finn Russell, Zander Fagerson, and Blair Kinghorn.

If, as a Scotland fan, you feel hard done by, maybe spare a thought for the Welsh fanbase with not a single representative in the squad. As expected, the biggest cohort comes from Ireland, but England aren’t far behind with five players of their own.

The front row of Andrew Porter, Jamie George and Zander Fagerson exudes power, try scoring exploits and mountains of experience, while the second row of Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy elicits pure size and a coalition that is well tested in international waters. The back row completes the pack, featuring Toulouse star Jack Willis, Leinster captain Caelan Doris, and former Men’s World 15s Player of the Year Josh van der Flier.

The halfback combination speaks for itself. Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are both stars of the game and two of the very best in the world in their respective positions.

The centre partnership has been a hotly debated topic. Henry Slade slots in at inside centre, while Garry Ringrose takes the 13 jersey. Despite both arguably world-class players, Henry Slade’s form in recent months has not perhaps been quite at the level it once was. The 31-year-old was unfortunate to miss out on Lions selection in previous years, but many would suggest that, actually, this time around he would be very fortunate to make the squad.

The back three has created the biggest line of contention from fans, with many suggesting that the choice of two England players is simply unrealistic.

The decision to place Blair Kinghorn at fullback has caused no qualms; he’s 6 ft 5, plays for the best club side in Europe and has controlled the Scotland backfield with pure authority since the shock retirement of Stuart Hogg.

The question marks come in the form of England youngster, Immanuel Feyi-Wabosi, and former England starter, Ollie Hassell-Collins.

Hassell-Collins, who made only a handful of caps for England after his debut in 2023, is performing well for his new club Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership, yet very little conversation has taken place in the media about a return to the international setup. – so what has got Hastings so excited about the 26-year-old?

He’s fast, no doubt. He’s strong, for sure. He’s a prolific try scorer, yep. His 6 ft 4 in frame makes him deadly in the air, indeed. He wasn’t given a full opportunity for England, possibly.

A Lions test match is unlikely to be the best place to bed in a once-promising international star.

But, perhaps Hastings sees the former London Irish winger in a different light to England head coach, Steve Borthwick, so maybe Lions head coach Andy Farrell will do too.

Former @Scotlandteam and Lions captain @15GavinHastings has picked his starting Test XV 🦁⬇️#Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/csNdpuS6ya

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 29, 2025

Here’s what the fans have had to say about the selections, strap in:

England Rugby Debate: “This is utterly staggering. I’ve counted 10 English players alone that I believe would start above Hassell-Collins in this current England management’s pecking order. When you consider the arguably even greater firepower at some of the other home nations’ disposal – not least Gavin’s own country – this could be one of the wildest takes you’ll see. Fair play for putting it out there if it’s what he believes.”

Connor Morrissey: “Hassel Collins is an extraordinary stretch, not even likely to play for England again, there’s probably 6 English wingers ahead of him alone”

Timbo Black: “Hassell-Collins?? Willis?? Slade at 12?? Some bizarre choices here!”

Nathan Wake: “There’s reasonable arguments for 13/15 of those but Hassell-Collins and Slade at 12 is royally taking the piss!”