**Lions Icon Selects Ben Thomas as Surprise Inclusion for Australia Tour**
As anticipation builds for the unveiling of Andy Farrell’s official British & Irish Lions squad next week, rugby circles are abuzz with discussion following coaching legend Jim Telfer’s own suggested line-up. Notably, Telfer, revered for his role in the Lions’ famous 1997 South Africa triumph, has advocated for the inclusion of Wales’ Ben Thomas—a choice that has caught many observers off guard.
Telfer’s selection process, shared with Scotland Rugby News, features a provisional 45-man squad made up of three players per position. While most commentators are expecting the lowest Welsh representation on a Lions tour since 1993, the octogenarian coach, renowned for his emotive ‘Everest’ speech, has championed seven Welsh players in his selection.
Chief among the surprises is Ben Thomas, the Cardiff and Wales inside centre. Telfer explained his reasons: “My third choice may surprise some people but I have been impressed by Ben Thomas of Cardiff and Wales. In a poor Wales team he has been very good.” He went on to mention that Scotland’s Tom Jordan was considered, now elevated in form, but ultimately couldn’t displace Thomas from his top three.
Thomas’ rise to prominence has been notable over the past year. Despite being repositioned at fly-half by then national coach Warren Gatland, who in 2024 hailed Thomas as “the best back in Wales,” the 25-year-old has demonstrated an assured presence at Test level, contributing to both club and country in challenging times.
Alongside Thomas, Telfer’s list of Welsh picks includes front-rowers Nicky Smith and Dewi Lake, second-row Dafydd Jenkins, back-rowers Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau, and scrum-half Tomos Williams. Of particular note is the mention of Scarlets full-back Blair Murray, named by Telfer as a standby option in the event of need.
Telfer was keen to stress that nationality should not influence Lions squad selection. “As a British & Irish Lions coach you should never look at what country a player comes from,” he said. “Any selections, as mine are here, should be based on the quality of the player. This team I have selected for the first Test can win in Australia.” He acknowledged that injuries could alter the final make-up, but insisted his choices reflected the best available talent.
Many viewers will focus particularly on the competition in the back row, where Telfer slots Welsh captain Jac Morgan among esteemed company. The 85-year-old described Morgan as “a good captain of a poor Wales side” and pairs him with the likes of Ireland’s Josh van der Flier and England’s Ben Curry. Taulupe Faletau, termed “incredible” by Telfer, is also included and features beside Caelan Doris and Jack Conan of Ireland.
Turning to the tight five, Telfer’s selection sees Dafydd Jenkins as one of six second-rows, his aggression and tenacity singled out for praise. Jenkins lines up alongside Ireland’s Joe McCarthy—deemed likely to “annoy the opposition”—and alongside heavyweight names such as Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne, and Ollie Chessum. A Welsh tighthead is absent from the squad, with Irishmen Tadhg Furlong and Finlay Bealham, plus Scotland’s Zander Fagerson preferred.
In the hooker slot, Dewi Lake gets the nod alongside Ireland’s Dan Sheehan and England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie. Telfer reserved especially warm words for Nicky Smith at loosehead, describing him as “an excellent player” of a similar style to Lions great Tom Smith—praise not given lightly.
Welsh representation in the backline is otherwise sparse. Tomos Williams is selected at scrum-half with his domestic form earning favour over Scotland’s Ben White, whose club minutes at Toulon have diminished recently. The rest of the back three, midfield, and fly-halves are predominantly English, Irish, and Scottish, with significant names such as Finn Russell, Garry Ringrose, and Darcy Graham among those selected for attacking roles.
As the rugby community awaits Andy Farrell’s official choices, debate will no doubt surge over Telfer’s unconventional Welsh inclusions and his unequivocal emphasis on individual merit above national quotas. While the full touring party to Australia will soon be revealed, Telfer’s views have, if nothing else, provided fresh talking points and reminded all fans that the Lions jersey is ultimately about rugby’s finest, regardless of origin.