England legend claims ‘a lot can change’ in a year, naming ‘brilliant’ Scottish star as huge Lions prospect
England legend claims 'a lot can change' naming 'brilliant' Scottish star as huge Lions prospect
The inaugural women’s British and Irish Lions Tour is over a year away, but that won’t stop rugby fans from getting excited already.
The journey to New Zealand is hugely significant as it signifies just how far the women’s game has come, particularly in recent years. Attendance records are being broken week on week as the desire to watch the very best in the game compete hits new highs.
With the growth as a whole comes increased attention on those taking to the field. Players who were once simply delighted to be representing their countries now have the added burden of performing with an eye to a place on tour.
Former England star Emily Scarratt spoke to Planet Rugby last week, describing what it means to the sport. “For me, always growing up as a rugby fan, it was always the four-year cycle that you looked forward to alongside the World Cup and the Olympics,” she said.
“It’s massive…”
“It’s massive. I watched it, never believing that we would ever have a chance to be a part of one. So to have the first one down in New Zealand next year is hugely exciting.
“I know the girls from the home nations have, although they won’t necessarily say it, one eye on it.
“Coaches aren’t selected yet, but when that process happens, there’s going to be a big opportunity to try and put your hand up for one of those shirts every time that you take the field.”
Although Scarratt never had the opportunity to tour with the Lions herself, she achieved everything there was to achieve in the game. Her resume includes 11 Six Nations titles, a World Player of the Year win, two World Cup victories and a whole host of other awards.
Now, in a coaching capacity with England, the 36-year-old can appreciate the game from a comfortable distance, particularly when she’s sat in an IHG Hotel, the official hotel partner of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Lions selection up for debate
While she prepared for England’s victory over Wales, we asked her which home nations players she expects to tour with the Lions in September 2027.
“I think one, who unfortunately was injured during the Six Nations last week, Emma Orr. She has been brilliant for Scotland for a number of years.
“Their back-rowers, Evie Gallagher, again, we have not been able to see her this championship because she has been injured, but she has been a force to be reckoned with for Bristol and Scotland when she has taken the field.
“Everyone talks about Aoife Wafer from Ireland, but they have got quite a lot of talent throughout their backline, a serious amount of pace like Béibhinn Parsons on the wing.
“The Welsh, some of their forwards have got serious talent and physicality. You think of a Sisilia Tuipulotu at Gloucester, players like that.”
Many fans have argued that the Lions squad will predominantly be made up of English players, particularly after their recent World Cup success and their current Six Nations dominance, but Scarratt insists that “a lot can change in a year”.
“I know it’s easy for everyone to say, ‘it’s going to be predominantly English’, but there’s so much talent throughout the home nations, and also a lot can change in a year.
“People can push on; they can also maybe play themselves out of a spot, so I’m really excited to see it unfold.
“I’m sure in maybe six months, or so, there’s going to be the fantasy Lions teams getting put together, the XV picks and the squad picks and all that sort of stuff, so I can’t wait to see it all play out.”
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Footer: IHG Hotels & Resorts, the official hotel partner of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, has appointed Emily Scarratt as its official “Fancierge” where she finds and tests the most authentic experiences that transform every Guinness Six Nations trip into a weekend of new pre-match rituals. Fans can sign up for these complimentary experiences in different host cities at ihgfancierge.com