The international rugby season is here, and it’s not just any season–it’s one that brings loads of excitement as fans and players alike are preparing for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in June and July. 

The squads have been announced, giving players a clear view of the competition. There are plenty of high-stakes matches still to come, so Lions hopefuls know there’s still time to sway Andy Farell, the head coach who’ll be leading the Lions next year. And the opportunities are massive, considering how many legendary teams are visiting UK shores. Without a doubt, this autumn is a real proving ground.

The world champions South Africa are coming to play against Scotland, England, and Wales. England and Ireland will face the mighty All Blacks. And all four nations have the Wallabies on the fixture list–a perfect warm-up to the action awaiting us in Australia.

These aren’t just games, they’re opportunities for players to make statements, push their limits, and stake their claim on the most prestigious rugby tour in the northern hemisphere. This is also an opportunity for fans to express their support by placing bets. Luckily, you can now get free bet builder tips, which are predictions created by the latest AI technology. And yes–they’re completely free. You can combine several selections from a range of markets on a single event into only one wager. This means that you can merge cards, goals, fouls, and corners into a personal wager.

While Farell likely has a framework for his squad, every year there are bolters–the breakout players who arrive just in time to steal the spotlight and secure a place on the tour. This year, we have some fresh faces and younger talents who were not even on the radar during last year’s World Cup. Now, they are extremely close to earning a spot on the Lions’ squad.

Here’s a look at five players with a real chance to make it happen.

Chandler Cunningham-South

With the recent retirement of Courtney Lawes from international rugby after a stellar World Cup, England was left searching for someone who could bring a similar physicality and power to their back row. So here comes Chandler Cunningham-South, the 120kg powerhouse who’s only 21 but has already shown he can fill the big shoes of his predecessor. Cunningham-South has made a seamless transition to Test rugby, helping to keep England’s back row physical and intimidating.

His size, strength, and skill make him a perfect candidate for the Lions’ No. 6 jersey. With Cunningham-South playing at blindside, he’d complement the likely No. 8 Caelan Doris, forming a balanced and robust back row with either openside flanker Josh van der Flier or Tom Curry. If he continues to dominate the breakdown and bring that raw edge to the game, he’s going to be hard for Farrell to ignore.

Ciaran Frawley

Ireland fans still remember Ciaran Frawley’s drop goal that secured a victory over South Africa in July. With just six caps, Frawley is already shaking up the Irish lineup. Ireland’s opening series against the All Blacks will likely see Farrell field his strongest team, which could give us a good idea of who he sees as his primary No. 10 moving forward.

Post-Johnny Sexton, the Lions’ fly-half spot is wide open. The list of contenders is long—Finn Russell is a favourite, Marcus Smith has shown flashes of brilliance, and George Ford’s steady hand remains a valuable asset. But at 26, Frawley has a unique opportunity this autumn to showcase his skills and maybe even catapult himself to the top of the Lions’ fly-half depth chart.

Jamie Osborne

Jamie Osborne, just 22 years old, joined the international scene in July. he debuted as Ireland’s starting full-back in both tests against South Africa. This autumn, Osborne has a shot at showing his versatility as he competes for a spot in Ireland’s midfield.  With Robbie Henshaw returning from injury, Osborne could find himself in contention for a midfield role, although he’d still face stiff competition from seasoned players like Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose.

But versatility is an invaluable asset, especially for the Lions, where squad depth and flexibility are important in managing a gruelling tour. Osborne’s ability to play both full-back and in the centre could be exactly what Farrell is looking for. And given Farrell’s apparent fondness for the young Leinster star, Osborne is well-positioned to make a strong case for himself in these upcoming tests.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

At just 21, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is not just a young talent but also a proven performer on the international stage. With six caps and four tries to his name—two of which were scored against the All Blacks in July—the Exeter Chiefs winger has already made an impression on fans and critics alike. His combination of speed, power, and agility has made him a serious contender for next year’s Lions squad, and with big matches against some of the world’s best teams on the horizon, he has a golden opportunity to solidify his place.

November will be crucial for Feyi-Waboso. England’s lineup includes clashes with the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks, and Japan, and if Feyi-Waboso can deliver standout performances, he could practically book his ticket to Australia. With his ability to finish, deceptive strength, and an uncanny knack for finding space, the young winger’s Lions selection may feel less like a “bolter” and more like a well-deserved inclusion.

Ben Spencer

Jamison Gibson-Park may be Ireland’s first-choice scrum-half and a favourite to start for the Lions, but Ben Spencer is positioning himself as a dark horse. England’s Alex Mitchell seemed likely to back up Gibson-Park, but an untimely neck injury has given Spencer a unique opportunity to showcase his skills this autumn. Currently playing some of the best rugby of his career with Bath, Spencer is known for his accuracy, quick decision-making, and strong kicking game.

With only six caps, Spencer is still a relative newcomer on the international stage, but he has the experience of playing alongside top fly-half contenders like Finn Russell at Bath and Marcus Smith with England. These established partnerships could give him an edge, as Lions tours allow little time for players to build chemistry. Farrell will be watching closely, and Spencer’s performances this season could push him into the Lions conversation if he can show that he’s the most in-form scrum-half on British soil.