**Lions Prepare for Potential Call-Up as Williams Suffers Injury, Warburton Hails Young Talent**
Sunday, 29 June 2025 – The British and Irish Lions face an anxious wait over the fitness of scrum-half Tomos Williams following their emphatic 40-22 victory against the Western Force in Perth. Williams, who scored two tries in the clash, was forced off the pitch in the second half after pulling up with a suspected hamstring issue, putting his participation in the upcoming fixtures in jeopardy.
Lions head coach Andy Farrell addressed reporters after the match, explaining that Williams’ injury would require careful assessment before any definitive decisions are made. “Tomos has come off holding his hamstring,” Farrell commented. “We’ll have more clarity tomorrow. Sometimes you need to let these things settle before making a call that’s best for the team.”
In anticipation of a worst-case scenario, the Lions have reportedly placed Scotland’s Ben White on standby. White is currently touring with the Scottish team in New Zealand but could join the Lions in Brisbane by Sunday night if the need arises. Such moves exemplify how crucial squad depth and adaptability can be during high-stakes international tours.
There was, however, a positive development for the Lions as Jamison Gibson-Park, another key option at scrum-half, was cleared to play in Wednesday’s fixture against the Queensland Reds. This news will offer some reassurance to the coaching staff, especially given the intense schedule and physical demands of the tour.
Much of the buzz following the match focused on Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old flanker whose rapid rise continued with an energetic showing against Western Force. Former Lions captain Sam Warburton, speaking to Sky Sports, praised Pollock’s dynamism but acknowledged that refinement is still needed for the youngster to fulfil his substantial promise.
“Pollock stood out with his linebreaks, work-rate in attack, and defensive hustle,” Warburton noted. “As tours go on, the nuances of playing in the back row – such as the breakdown and physical collisions – become even more significant. While his performance wasn’t flawless, those mistakes can be coached. What you can’t teach are his pace and ability to beat defenders. With time, he could well become the complete player.”
Selection for the Lions’ back-row remains open, according to Warburton, reflecting a healthy level of competition within the squad. The presence of dynamic talents such as Pollock ensures that places are hotly contested, providing head coach Andy Farrell with both a selection headache and a wealth of options.
Meanwhile, Japan suffered a heavy blow just a week before they face Wales, enduring a 53-20 drubbing at the hands of the Maori All Blacks in Tokyo. Despite leading 17-15 at the break, Japan’s defence crumbled under sustained pressure, conceding six tries in a ruthless second-half display from the New Zealanders.
Wales, who currently hold an unenviable record of 17 consecutive Test defeats, will hope to capitalise on Japan’s vulnerabilities when they meet in Kitakyushu next Saturday. However, Japanese coach Eddie Jones was keen to downplay any direct parallels, reminding fans that his team has previously rebounded from comprehensive defeats.
In English rugby, the Rugby Football Union announced the appointment of Sir James Wates CBE as its new chair. Wates succeeds Sir Bill Beaumont, who had taken on the role on an interim basis after the resignation of Tom Ilube last year. With a distinguished background in business and a long-standing passion for rugby, Wates expressed his honour at taking the helm as English rugby looks to the future – and with the Women’s Rugby World Cup set to be hosted across England later this year, his tenure begins at a pivotal time for the sport.
As the rugby world continues its relentless pace, injuries, emerging stars, and off-field changes ensure that fans and teams alike remain engaged, with no shortage of stories developing both on and off the pitch.