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Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Overnight sensation Thomas Clarkson taking advantage of surprise Lions call-up
If ever there was a five-year overnight sensation it is assuredly Thomas Clarkson . He made his Leinster debut in August 2020 but went into this campaign with less than 20 starts under his belt and as his province's third choice tighthead. Yet there he was on Tuesday night in the Marvel Stadium mixed zone after the 24-19 win over the Pasifika XV , a bona fide British & Irish Lion. No one seemed more incredulous as well as delighted than the 25-year-old himself, for he freely admitted he wouldn't have thought all of this was possible when he was named as one of the additional, or development, players to train with Ireland's squad last November, before making his debut against Argentina off the bench, backing it up against Fiji, and then playing in four Six Nations games, starting against Wales. 'I wasn't even really expecting to play in that. So, to get a cap I was delighted. 'The Six Nations; I was happy enough with how it went. I wouldn't have said I set the world alight or anything. So, to then play well for Leinster at the end of the season and come in here, it's pretty mad.' READ MORE As recently as January 2025, Clarkson was playing an AIL Division 1B game for Blackrock. 'I made my Leinster debut five years ago now, so I've been waiting a long time. So, the fact that when it has come, it's all come at once is a bit crazy. Because I went through a good few years of not getting a sniff in at all really.' It's been a Lions tour of an unprecedented and, frankly, unexpected bounty for Irish tightheads, three of them making the tour. And two of whom are inextricably linked. Had it not been for the calf and hamstring issues which restricted Tadhg Furlong to just seven games for Leinster and one for Ireland, Clarkson would never have had the opportunities that came for province and country. Ireland's Thomas Clarkson runs in try against Portugal. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Even so, after adding three more Champions Cup pool games to his one outing before this season, Clarkson didn't make the Leinster 23 in their European knockout games. But with Furlong sidelined again, Leo Cullen started Clarkson in their round 18 game against Glasgow. 'It all kind of just clicked and then kept that momentum going. That was the first game when I thought: 'That was a proper performance'.' David Humphreys has now lifted his moratorium on the provinces signing props from abroad and although Furlong's injury woes have been a factor, Clarkson's own account of his growth this season shows how Irish players can learn from overseas acquisitions like Rabah Slimani. 'I've been kind of understudy to Tadhg for a good few years now. He's consistently been probably the best tighthead in the world over the last few years. It's been unbelievable being there, just around him. 'Rabah's come in and probably offered something a bit different, where he's 100 per cent scrum. Tadhg obviously has an array of different stuff that he brings to it, whereas Rabah, when you're scrumming against him in training, it's all or nothing against him. It's been a different kind of experience with him, but I've felt I've come out the other end well.' Clarkson retained his starting place at tighthead in the URC quarter-final, semi-final and final wins, before playing against Georgia and Portugal. That Saturday night in Lisbon, he thought his breakthrough season was done until he received a text from Andy Farrell at 3am. 'We were on a night out; I had to go home straight away. But yeah, some text to get. It was like: 'ring me when you're awake', so I said: 'Oh yeah, grand'. Then Paulie [O'Connell] rang me and was like: 'Ring him right now'. So yeah, I had to just compose myself and go outside. I told Jack Boyle and then just legged it.' Lions Thomas Clarkson and Jamie Osborne celebrate after the game. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Sadly, social media can be a nasty world, and on foot of the backlash to him and Jamie Osborne being called up, Clarkson opted to ignore it. 'I feel like the last few weeks in Leinster, before the semi-final, was fairly negative. I just tried to use that as a bit of motivation. I knew, just because Jamie got called in right before me, there was a bit of backlash to that. So, I knew it was going to be even more when I got the nod. So yeah, I just tried to stay away from it.' 'It was a bit of a shock at the start, to be honest. You grow up using social media. It was hard to step away from it. But I just had to get rid of a lot of that.' Clarkson admits that linking up with the Lions at short notice was a good deal easier for him than the late Scottish call-ups given his familiarity with so many players and coaches, not least Andy Farrell and John Fogarty. On Tuesday morning Fogarty told Clarkson that his form for Leinster merited his call-up and encouraged him to continue that form into the match that night, so building up his confidence. 'I felt like I was chasing my tail a little bit, but happy enough with the scrum and I made a few tackles. It was a good start.' To make Clarkson's landmark night even better, his father Finbarr made it out in time for Tuesday's match. 'I think he knew if he was going to be here for any game, it would be this game. So yeah, he legged it down.' All the while in the mixed zone, he still had his Lions cap in his grasp, which had been given to him by Ieuen Evans. 'It's crazy, 886,' he says, of his number in Lions' playing history. 'I didn't even know they did caps if you don't play in the Test.' He's a Lion now all right.
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Proud Welshman Morgan hopes for Lions Test spot
Wales flanker Jac Morgan says he is determined to make Wales proud as he targets a British and Irish Lions Test team who missed out on selection to Tom Curry in the first Test, played 50 minutes in the 24-19 win against the First Nations Pasifika on Tuesday before being there being only one Welshman in a squad of 45 players, Morgan received a massive cheer as the names were read out at the Marvel Ospreys captain is aware of the support he's receiving from the thousands of Welsh fans who have made the journey.''It's hard to put into words," said Morgan. "I'm obviously chuffed and I'm trying to make everyone proud in a way."I've heard a couple of the cheers. It's great to have the support. There's a lot of Welsh out here." 'It would be a massive honour' Morgan is no stranger to a fierce contest for the seven shirt in a red jersey and has approached a similar battle on this tour with hard work and drive. The 25-year-old has been unfazed by any selection debates and headlines that arose last week when the first Test side was was given the nod at seven and excelled in the 27-19 win in Brisbane, with the second Test taking place in Melbourne on Saturday.''The last week has been no different," said Morgan."I've had the opportunity today and I just try and train and perform the best I can. It's a highly competitive position and Tom Curry was outstanding on Saturday. "He's a great player and so is Josh (Van der Flier), so the competition is always high in that position and we try and get the best out of each other.''Lions head coach Andy Farrell confirmed Irish lock Joe McCarthy has not trained this week following a foot there is still time for him to recover for the second Test in Melbourne, he remains a serious doubt for the McCarthy is ruled out, it would mean a forward addition to the Test squad with a number of different bench combinations possible, including another back rower the big stage of a Rugby World Cup, Morgan captained Wales to their greatest ever win against Australia in admits it would be some achievement to face the Wallabies while representing the Lions.''It would be a massive honour and a very proud moment to be selected.," said Morgan. Welcoming Tandy to Wales Morgan, who captained Wales during the 2025 Six Nations, has also welcomed the announcement of new head coach Steve has left his role as Scotland defence coach - a position he has held since 2019 - to fill a vacancy created by Warren Gatland's departure in February."It's great to be able to have a head coach now so we can look to the future," said Morgan."I've spoken to a lot of the boys and they've all said he's a great coach, but more than that he's a good bloke as well."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Owen Farrell fights his way into the Test picture as British & Irish Lions survive an ambush in final tour game, writes CHRIS FOY
It turned into fight night at Marvel Stadium as Owen Farrell scrapped for a Test place in typically combative fashion and the Lions escaped to victory against fired-up, inspired opponents. Given the name of the venue, it was a fitting occasion for heroic deeds and those were provided by the magnificent First Nations and Pasifika XV, who proved that the vaunted visitors were eminently beatable. After the Lions had just about survived the ambush, Charlie Gamble – who terrorised them at the breakdown, as he already had with the Waratahs – said: 'They are not super-human. We showed that if you put them under pressure, they make mistakes. We rattled them.' As captain of the British and Irish side, Farrell was doing plenty of rattling too. It took less than five minutes for him to wade into a confrontation with Gamble on the touchline which led to a skirmish involving several players. He wanted to show that his team were not to be messed with. Having set an aggressive tone, he could be heard bellowing at the men around him 'let's not feel sorry ourselves' just before half-time, when 14-0 to the Lions had become a tense 14-14 thriller. Farrell Jnr came out to Australia as a late call-up chronically short of game-time, but it didn't really show in this fabulous, feisty close encounter. He set up the tourists' first try with a deft kick off his weaker left foot, which Jamie Osborne pounced on to claim the first strike of his Lions debut brace. Later, 16 minutes from the end, the skipper delivered another routine run-in for Duhan van der Merwe – which ultimately proved decisive – after dummying outside and gliding through a gap. All in all, Farrell did enough to suggest that, depending on the balance of the back-line cover, he has every chance of earning a bench role in the second Test at the MCG on Saturday, as the Lions strive to clinch a series victory with one match to spare. After this final tour game turned into a blood-and-thunder highlight of the 2025 campaign, there was the novel spectacle of the Farrells sitting together for a father-and-son press conference. 'Have we done this before?' asked Andy. Owen didn't answer. When pressed on whether they had, the head coach added: 'I can't remember. Maybe not.' Owen added: 'No, probably not.' They have always been wary of family-connection talk, but it was all fine and natural. There were even flickers of humour. Asked how his son had played, Andy said: 'Some good things obviously; a nice little chip off the left peg. Some nice touches on the ball, but there are always work-ons.' And how did the captain evaluate his own performance? 'I enjoyed it,' he said. 'I loved that it was difficult tonight. We got some joy early on, but it was a tough match. I feel like I've been in a tough match now, sat here, so I'm grateful for that. 'For the rest of it (last two Tests), we'll see. Whether you're lucky enough to be involved or preparing the team for what is a massive occasion on Saturday and next week, it'll be great.' While the man who wore 12 in this game could wear 22 at the MCG, another contender for a Test place must be Blair Kinghorn, despite the fact that the Scotland full-back was the primary offender in what the head coach called 'exhibition match' play. He was intercepted twice before half-time, but became more assured and confident as the game wore on. If the weather is as bad on Saturday as is expected, Kinghorn's aerial prowess could be a handy asset. Farrell did enough to suggest that he has every chance of earning a bench role in the second Test at the MCG on Saturday The Lions were rocked by an early injury to another tour debutant, Darcy Graham, which led to the Scotland wing – who had already touched down in his 17-minute cameo – being consoled by Finn Russell after limping off in tears. The tourists were also rocked by the in-your-face intensity, hostility and physicality of the First Nations and Pasifika forwards, epitomised by Gamble, try-scorer Seru Uru, Taniela 'Tongan Thor' Tupou and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. These men all made thunderous cases to be recalled by the Wallabies who, by their own admission, had been too 'submissive' in the first Test in Brisbane, which they lost 27-19. They also gave a pointer to Australia about the way to unsettle the Lions with snarling intent. Asked if Joe Schmidt and his Wallabies should take note, the captain of the new, bonded ensemble, Kurtley Beale, said: 'I think so. You've got to take it to them.' The host nation are set to be reinforced by the return of mighty Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, so if they call up any of the super-heroes from Marvel Stadium too, they could pose a far more potent threat up front. That is a potential problem for the Lions given that they are likely to be without Irish lock enforcer Joe McCarthy, who has a foot injury. England's Ollie Chessum is destined to fill that void in the second row.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Owen Farrell banishes Lions nepotism accusations with Test match animal performance
'How do you think I did?' Owen Farrell asked his father, grinning at the novelty of sharing a press conference stage with him for the first time, the latest twist in a family drama that continued to confound. 'Some good things,' replied Andy, gruffly, ever the implacable head coach. 'Nice little chip off the left peg. Always work-ons, though.' The scene was a neat encapsulation of their relationship, with a joint sense of pride at their achievement tempered by a scrupulous care not to present this remarkable story as too cosy an arrangement. Ever since he was chosen to command the British and Irish Lions 18 months ago, Farrell Snr has been sensitive to accusations of nepotism around selecting his son for a fourth tour. For this very reason, you wondered if, on the occasion of Owen's first match as Lions captain, the pair would be at pains not to be photographed together here at Marvel Stadium. In the end, though, they could hardly stop smiling. It was not just that Owen fully justified his last-gasp summons to Australia with 80 minutes of all-action leadership against tireless opponents, but that he did so with the stamp of paternal approval. 'He's a leader of the squad, and this is a profession we love doing,' Andy explained. 'I suppose we'll look back on it together after the third Test.' When eventually they can reminisce, they will surely identify this victory over the First Nations and Pasifika XV, a scratch team far better organised than anybody had the right to expect, as a high point. For this was the moment when all the psychodrama around Owen, all the awkward questions about whether his call-up was based on merit or part of a glorified family outing, dissolved into the cold Melbourne night. With the game just four minutes old, he rekindled the fire to startling effect. Outraged at seeing Darcy Graham levelled by a high tackle from Tristan Reilly, he launched himself into the fray, the veins in his neck popping as he threw every oath in the book to defend the wing's honour. It is a fine line that Farrell has walked in his career on this front, sometimes blurring the margins between principled and pugnacious. But the man who last represented England at the 2023 World Cup slipped into his role as Lions leader as if he had never been away. He had not even been close to the skirmish around Reilly when it first erupted, but he charged towards it like a heat-seeking missile. Conscious of the wider scrutiny he faced, he replicated this degree of intensity in his play. You could take your pick of influential contributions: the audacious chip kick with his wrong foot that bounced perfectly into Jamie Osborne's hands for the opening try, or the delightful show-and-go to send Duhan van der Merwe clean through on the left. Such was his deft choreography of all the Lions' most decisive moves, he emerged as arguably their second most effective 10 behind Finn Russell, despite playing at 12. That is not an outcome anybody could have predicted from his brief, benighted sojourn at Racing 92, where one French publication named him earlier this year as the biggest flop in the Top 14. Thrust him into this type of environment, though, and the results can be starkly different. Just as he has elevated his game for England according to the size of the stakes, he has forged a reputation with the Lions for fearsome performances, refusing to tolerate even a minute of mediocrity. It was Paul O'Connell who first observed this in a Lions context, singling him out for praise during an especially impassioned dressing-room speech in 2013. 'I think it's funny that one of the youngest guys in the team, Owen Farrell, is the one who's driving everyone on,' he said, by way of rebuke to everyone else. 'We all need to add that bit extra to our game, lads. This guy's 21 years old, barking at everyone, driving everyone around the pitch.' At 33, he was far from immaculate in his judgment en route to this tense five-point win, sometimes miscuing his kicks in behind the Pasifika defence. And yet the molten emotion with which he insisted on the highest standards was impossible to fault. His was frequently the only voice that the microphones picked up, not least when he told his team-mates to stop feeling sorry for themselves. The tantalising debate is whether Farrell has done enough, with this rediscovery of the art of belligerent captaincy, to edge his way into the frame for the second Test on Saturday. At a minimum, you would expect him to be on the bench, given the struggles of Fin Smith and his namesake Marcus to make lasting impressions on this tour. For when it comes to pulling strings, Farrell has proved once more that there is nobody else quite like him.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lions Tour: Ryan, Ringrose and Van der Flier makes their cases for second Test and what else we learned
James Ryan catches the ball at a lineout during the Lions' tour match against the First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Photograph: Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images Ryan's physicality puts him on front foot for second Test Joe McCarthy's foot injury meant that there was a sharp focus on secondrows James Ryan and Scott Cummings in Melbourne. England's Ollie Chessum backed up in the matchday 23 in the first Test. Hopefully McCarthy, who provided a significant physical presence in his 42 minutes in Brisbane, will be fit to take his place. Ryan and Cummings offered different qualities in terms of their contributions. The Scot called the lineout and took responsibility for securing the lion's share of possession out of touch – the tourists had 23 throws and lost three. Cummings was relentless, hardworking and athletic. Ryan, though, brought a physical edge to his work in terms of tackling and at the breakdown, where his counter-rucking led to a couple of turnovers. His yellow card for two offences in the red zone will disappoint him but the fact that he was removed on 53 minutes can be viewed in the context of the fact that they wanted to save his legs for the weekend. Cummings played the 80 minutes. Triston Reilly of the First Nations and Pasifika XV tackles Lions winger Darcy Graham leading to a yellow card. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho There should be no mitigation for poor technique Richard Kelly, the foul play review officer, found some mitigation is the actions of Pasifika left wing Triston Reilly when he clobbered Lions right wing Darcy Graham with a shoulder to the chin. Presumably it was due to Graham dipping slightly just before contact because Reilly certainly didn't deserve to be absolved based on poor technique. READ MORE The Pasifika wing had a good line of sight to his intended tackle target and wasn't flummoxed by a late step, so his decision to go with his right shoulder instead of his left meant that he got the contact point all wrong. There's an argument that in those circumstances the mitigation for the drop in height is less relevant than the cavalier and reckless disregard for good technique in contact. And while we're at it, a yellow card for a player after a try has been scored, in this case James Ryan, has a double punishment bang off it. No try, then yellow card. Try, then a quiet word. That law is an ass. Jarrah McLeod of the First Nations and Pasifika is tackled by Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier and Jamie Osborne of the British and Irish Lions at Marvel Stadium. Photograph:Van der Flier another possible second Test flyer There is little doubt that three of the unluckiest players not to make the Lions' matchday 23 for the first Test – Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock – took the field in Melbourne hoping to persuade Andy Farrell that they warranted a place in Saturday's second Test. Morgan and Pollock were asked to play out of position at blindside flanker and number eight respectively. But without any recourse to green-tinted glasses, Josh van der Flier eclipsed his team-mates with the substance of his performance; diligent and effective. Morgan had some excellent contributions but less stellar than previous displays, while Pollock didn't get a chance to demonstrate his remarkable skill set. Van der Flier's industry set him apart. Blair Kinghorn was another under the spotlight, and apart from throwing an intercept for Triston Reilly's try, he had a fine match. Lions scrumhalf in action against Kurtley Beale of the First Nations and Pasifika XV during the game in Melbourne. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Farrell's shrewd selection policy vindicated Andy Farrell's decision to call up several players to the tour met with raised eyebrows in some quarters. Okay the British media to be precise, as they felt it was perhaps too Irish centric. But even they will struggle to argue against his intuition. The decision to call up scrumhalf Ben White may have been partially down to the player's proximity on tour with Scotland but it has proven to be a shrewd move. White has grasped the opportunity impressively both in his first outing and now this match, where his contribution in the second half was pivotal to a positive outcome. Jamie Osborne scored two tries in a super debut, Owen Farrell played with authority while Thomas Clarkson and Gregor Brown can also be happy with their impact off the bench. Farrell may make the matchday 23 for the second Test irrespective of whether Marcus Smith fails or passes his head injury assessment (HIA). Garry Ringrose in action during the Lions' tour game against First Nations and Pasifika at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Photograph:Ringrose takes his chance with both hands Andy Farrell would have directly or indirectly asked to be given a headache when it came to selecting the Lions team for the second Test. Garry Ringrose fulfilled that brief to the letter. He came on earlier than anticipated following the injury to the unfortunate Darcy Graham, but Ringrose took the chance with both hands. His arrival meant a reshuffle in the backline with Jamie Osborne moving to the wing from outside centre to accommodate his Leinster and Ireland team-mate's arrival. In what would go on to become quite a disjointed display by the Lions, Ringrose rose above the general malaise to consistently add value every time he touched the ball. He carried, straightened the line, supported, chased and tackled with an impressive energy and dynamism to a point where he could not really have done much more to try and advance his case for a shot at Saturday's 23.
