Scotland finished fourth in the Six Nations but their backline in particular impressed throughout and that is likely to be reflected in Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions squad.
The coach will name his tour party for Australia on May 8 at a glitzy event at the O2 in London in front of 2,000 Lions supporters.
Four years ago, when the world was still in the grip of Covid, eight Scots were included in the 37-strong squad which went to South Africa and lost the Test series 2-1 during a tour played out in empty stadiums.
It was the biggest Scottish contingent in an initial Lions touring party for 32 years, since nine were named for the 1989 tour to Australia. This year’s quota should exceed both those totals.
The 2021 tourists from Scotland were backs Chris Harris, Stuart Hogg, Duhan van der Merwe, Ali Price and Finn Russell and forwards Zander Fagerson, Rory Sutherland and Hamish Watson. Van der Merwe, Russell and Fagerson are all in the frame to again be selected.
Here are 12 Scots who could help the Lions roar:
9. Sione Tuipulotu
Missed the Six Nations but good to hear from Glasgow coach Franco Smith this week that Tuipulotu is on course to return to the team before the end of the season. Ripped a pec muscle in training in January and required surgery. Smith is backing him for the Lions and if he can rediscover the form he showed pre-injury there is no better centre available to Farrell. | Getty Images
10. Huw Jones
Along with Blair Kinghorn, Jones was one of only two Scots to make the Six Nations team of the championship. The outside centre led the way with four tries across Scotland’s campaign, including a hat-trick against Italy. Clever runs, brilliant support play and his eye for a chance make him one of the most dangerous centres around. Also much improved defensively. | SNS Group
11. Duhan van der Merwe
The Edinburgh winger started all three Tests for the Lions against South Africa in 2021, a significant advantage he holds over any of his rivals for the wing berths. Van der Merwe scored Six Nations tries against Ireland and England and also showed an increasing awareness and ability to play in others. Tommy Freeman, James Lowe and Scotland team-mate Darcy Graham will all be vying with him for a place in the squad. | SNS Group
12. Blair Kinghorn
His performances across the Six Nations saw him nominated for the player of the championship award. Kinghorn is joined on the four-man short-list by England’s Freeman, the only other Lions contender nominated. Kinghorn set a new Six Nations record for metres gained, his tally of 574.6 surpassing England’s Mike Brown's 2014 record of 543 metres. The Toulouse full-back is at the peak of his powers. | SNS Group / SRU