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If there’s one lesson the British & Irish Lions must take from their last tour to South Africa, it’s this: when the stakes are highest, pick players who do the hard stuff brilliantly and quietly.
If there’s one lesson the British & Irish Lions must take from their last tour to South Africa, it’s this: when the stakes are highest, pick players who do the hard stuff brilliantly and quietly.
Following his Ireland and Leinster teammate, Caelan Doris', unfortunate injury, Jack Conan is the only out-and-out No.8 at Andy Farrell's disposal.
Ben Earl plays 8 for England but, like his England teammate, Henry Pollock, he is much more of a dynamic openside flanker with his club, while neither relish the hard yards like the beefier Conan at 6ft 4inch and 111kg.
The Leinster and Ireland powerhouse doesn’t make headlines the way Earl or Pollock do — there are no outrageous offloads or viral tries — but he offers something more precious: balance, brains, and battle-hardened calm. And in a test series likely to be decided by inches rather than moments, that’s exactly what you want at the base of your scrum.
The Case for Conan: Form, Function and Fight
It’s easy to forget just how good Conan was on the 2021 Lions tour. Despite being a late bolter in the eyes of many, he started all three Tests against the Springboks — no small feat when the squad included campaigners like Taulupe Faletau and Sam Simmonds. Warren Gatland trusted him, and Conan delivered.
Fast-forward to 2025, and not much has changed. He remains a carrier who rarely gets stopped on first contact, a tireless defender, and one of the best back-row lineout options in Europe. He’s not explosive in the Ardie Savea mould, but he’s a metronome in games that need one.
Against a mobile, physical Wallabies pack under Joe Schmidt, who knows Conan well, the Lions need a back-row who won’t blink. Conan’s experience in big games, from Champions Cups to Grand Slams, gives him the edge.
Consistent Excellence in the URC
Conan's performances this season have been exemplary, taking his Leinster side to Saturday's final. He ranks as the fourth-best player in the URC Top 100 rankings, reflecting his consistent and impactful performances across both domestic and European competitions.
The 32-year-old possesses a score of 88.9 for his carrying and 91.1 for his defending, giving him an overall rating of 94.1.
He's Not Flash, He's Just Right
The Lions have never been about picking the flashiest. It’s about selecting the best blend. Conan is the type of player who lets others play better. He covers ground, wins collisions, and never gives the opposition an inch. If the Lions are to succeed Down Under, they’ll need a back row that can adapt on the fly, match Australia’s pace, and bring control in the chaos. Conan ticks all those boxes.