The British and Irish Lions squad continues to expand ahead of their highly anticipated Test series against the Wallabies in Australia. With injuries and fixture congestion mounting, the Lions have added three more players to the touring party. Scotland’s Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, and Darcy Graham are the latest names to be called up. Their arrival takes the total number of players on tour to 44.
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All three were in New Zealand getting ready for Scotland’s game against Samoa. However, with the Lions needing reinforcements, the trio is now switching camps. Their main role will be to provide cover for the Lions’ midweek clash against the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Which falls between the first and second Tests against Australia.
The British and Irish Lions have already summoned four injury replacements: Owen Farrell, Ben White, Jamie Osborne, and Jamie George. Over the weekend, Thomas Clarkson was also drafted in for additional front-row cover. Now, the inclusion of Sutherland, Ashman, and Graham adds more depth and options for the coaching staff.
Rory Sutherland
Rory Sutherland is a veteran prop who has previously featured for the Lions. He was part of the 2021 tour to South Africa, where he played in six matches, including two Tests. That experience makes him a valuable addition to the current group. Sutherland is known for his power in the scrum and his work rate around the pitch.
He has 29 Scotland caps and has played club rugby for teams like Worcester Warriors, Ulster, and currently, Oyonnax in France. The 31-year-old’s inclusion offers the Lions much-needed stability. And depth in the front row, especially as they juggle multiple fixtures in a short period.
Ewan Ashman
Ewan Ashman is a dynamic young hooker who represents Edinburgh at the club level. He earned his first cap for Scotland in 2021 and has since amassed 28 appearances on the international stage. Ashman has been a rising star in the Scottish front row, known for his aggressive tackling and solid set-piece work.
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His first cap came against Australia, which adds a bit of symmetry to his Lions call-up ahead of a series against the Wallabies. Ashman was chosen ahead of Wales’s Dewi Lake, signalling the British and Irish Lions management’s confidence in his current form and potential. His presence boosts the hooker depth following Jamie George’s injury concerns.
Darcy Graham
Darcy Graham is one of Scotland’s most electric backs. The winger has scored 31 tries in just 47 Test matches, an impressive strike rate by any measure. He brings pace, agility, and a natural try-scoring instinct that will be welcomed in a Lions side needing backline depth. Graham has previously been in contention for Lions selection and was considered unfortunate to miss out on the initial squad.
Over the weekend, he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards against Fiji. However, no suspension followed, clearing the way for his Lions participation. His ability to cover both wing positions adds flexibility for the coaching staff during this tightly packed tour.
A Growing Lions Squad
The addition of these three players has stirred memories of the 2017 Geography Six controversy in New Zealand. At that time, six players were added to the British and Irish Lions squad mainly because of their location rather than their playing ability. The move sparked criticism and prompted doubts about the fairness of the selection process. This time, however, the new call-ups all have legitimate international credentials.
Sutherland has proven Lions experience. Graham is a proven try-scorer with top-tier Test numbers. Ashman is a rapidly emerging hooker with a strong international résumé. This isn’t a case of convenience; it’s a response to the intense demands of modern Lions tours. These midweek fixtures, squeezed between Test matches, force management to balance squad rotation and injury management carefully.
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The Lions need to put out strong teams while avoiding excessive strain on their Test match starters. That task becomes harder when injuries pile up. These new additions will help lighten the load on core players while ensuring the Lions remain competitive across all fixtures.
Challenges of Modern British and Irish Lions Tours
The growing squad once again underscores the logistical difficulties of organising modern British and Irish Lions tours. In the amateur era, midweek games were more manageable. But the physical demands of Test rugby today mean more depth is required. Coaches must manage player workloads while keeping the competitive edge in every game.
This tour is no exception. Between training, travel, injuries, and the need for rotation, reinforcements are essential. The British and Irish Lions are trying to build chemistry on the fly while dealing with a demanding schedule. Every addition to the squad brings new dynamics, but also much-needed support.
As the Lions prepare for their next fixtures, the presence of Sutherland, Ashman, and Graham offers depth, quality, and experience. While not initially selected, all three now have a chance to make an impact on one of rugby’s grandest stages. With 44 players now in the camp, the British and Irish Lions will be hoping the added reinforcements give them the edge they need in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested tour.
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