**Farrell Considers Faletau for Fourth Lions Tour as Injury Concerns Mount for Scotland Contingent**
Saturday’s rugby news brings renewed anticipation and some anxiety as the countdown continues towards Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions squad announcement for the forthcoming tour to Australia. The headlines are dominated by speculation over Welsh legend Taulupe Faletau’s inclusion, as a series of injury concerns threaten to derail hopes for a record Scottish representation.
Former Wales wing Alex Cuthbert believes Lions head coach Andy Farrell is “definitely thinking about” Faletau for this summer’s tour. Despite a catalogue of injuries that have limited Faletau to only ten appearances for club and country since last year’s World Cup, the 34-year-old No.8 has recently displayed glimpses of his vintage form. His performances for Cardiff, most notably during Judgement Day and in a strong showing against Munster, have reignited debate about his Lions credentials.
Cuthbert, speaking as a pundit, highlighted Faletau’s reliability and unique skillset, particularly praising his read of the game and consistent execution: “Andy Farrell has spoken to the physio staff about his durability. But I think we’re seeing prime Toby back … he’s so good at those little tip passes, solid in every aspect of the game.” Echoing these sentiments, former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones insists that Faletau deserves consideration for a fourth Lions tour, underscoring his enduring impact despite recent setbacks.
Selection for the Lions remains fiercely competitive, especially at No.8, with Irishman Caelan Doris a frontrunner. Yet, Cuthbert argued that not many others are making a compelling case, which could play in Faletau’s favour. “When [Faletau] is fit and firing, he is still one of the best No.8s,” added Cuthbert.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, preparations have been overshadowed by a mounting injury list involving several key hopefuls. Anticipation had been high that 2025 could see the largest contingent of Scots selected for the Lions. That prospect is now in jeopardy, as seven senior internationals contend with significant injuries at a crucial stage.
Front-row stalwart Zander Fagerson, widely regarded as a certainty for Lions selection, faces a race against time after sustaining a calf injury ahead of last week’s United Rugby Championship (URC) match. Glasgow head coach Franco Smith described the situation as “touch-and-go”, given the injury’s projected 10-12 week recovery period, though he remains optimistic about Fagerson’s availability for late-season fixtures.
Centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are also on the mend, with Smith hopeful both could return for Glasgow’s URC tie at Benetton in early May, shortly after the Lions squad is unveiled. Tuipulotu’s rehabilitation from a pectoral injury kept him out of the entire Six Nations, while Jones is recovering from ankle issues. “Maybe in a couple of weeks … Sione will be ready to play against Benetton, the same with Huw,” said Smith.
Other notable injuries include Matt Fagerson, almost certain to miss out following ankle surgery, and Jack Dempsey, absent due to a hamstring injury since the Six Nations. Likewise, Scott Cummings and Duhan van der Merwe – the latter Scotland’s all-time leading try-scorer – continue their respective recoveries, with tentative hopes of being fit for the URC run-in. Head coach Sean Everitt anticipates Van der Merwe’s return in late May after recent ankle surgery. The injury cloud over these Scottish players introduces uncertainty ahead of Farrell’s final decisions.
Elsewhere in Welsh rugby, Dave Reddin, the recently-appointed Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby and elite performance, outlined his vision for the role. Responding to concerns around a lack of technical rugby expertise at senior levels, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney assured that there is existing expertise within the organisation and that internal appointments remain a priority. Reddin himself clarified that his focus will be on strategic player development rather than technical detail, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent and tailoring progression pathways.
On the women’s front, head coach Sean Lynn has confirmed three changes to his side for their pivotal Six Nations fixture against Italy in Parma. With no wins so far, Wales Women face the prospect of a second consecutive wooden spoon unless they triumph on Sunday. The match was rescheduled following the announcement of the Pope’s funeral, offering both teams additional preparation time.
For supporters, these narratives offer a compelling build-up to selection day and set the stage for a summer tour packed with intrigue, opportunity, and, inevitably, heartbreak for some. As the Lions ready themselves for an opening clash against Argentina in June before flying to Australia, all eyes remain fixed on Andy Farrell’s decision-making, particularly regarding injury-hit Scottish stars and the enduring class of Taulupe Faletau.