1. Andrew Porter<\/p>\n
Porter had a strong 2025 campaign and remains a key figure in the front row. A year younger than\u00a0Ellis Genge<\/strong>, his improving scrummaging and discipline could give him the edge in selection.<\/p>\n He looks better with every season.<\/p>\n 2. Dan Sheehan<\/p>\n Arguably the standout player of the 2025 tour, Sheehan is still only 26. His dynamism, lineout accuracy and class around the field make him one of the easiest selections.<\/p>\n Barring injury or a dramatic dip in form, expect him to be starting in 2029.<\/p>\n 3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour<\/p>\n A breakout year for\u00a0Sale Sharks<\/strong>\u00a0has put Opoku-Fordjour on the map. At just 21, he\u2019s already among the top tightheads in the Premiership.<\/p>\n Strong in the scrum and dangerous in open play, he could be one of rugby\u2019s biggest names by 2029 if his rise continues.<\/p>\n 4. Maro Itoje<\/p>\n Itoje captained the Lions in 2025 and remains a central figure. He\u2019ll be 34 in 2029, but his leadership, physicality and tour experience should keep him firmly in the mix.<\/p>\n No one matches his influence in the big moments.<\/p>\n 5. George Martin<\/p>\n Injuries limited Martin\u2019s involvement in 2025, but his long-term partnership with Itoje for England makes him a natural successor. He\u2019ll be 28 in 2029 and hitting peak form.<\/p>\n His physicality and work rate will make him hard to ignore.<\/p>\n 6. Tom Curry<\/p>\n Few players are more committed than Curry. Despite a tough run of injuries, he remains a ferocious tackler and tireless presence.<\/p>\n At 31, he should still be near his best \u2014 and a guaranteed starter if fit.<\/p>\n 7. Henry Pollock<\/p>\n Pollock was the wildcard pick everyone wanted in 2025 \u2014 and he delivered. His rise has been rapid, and he plays with confidence and flair.<\/p>\n If he stays on course, he could be a global star in 2029. A game-changer in every sense.<\/p>\n 8. Caelan Doris<\/p>\n Doris was tipped to captain the 2025 side before injury struck. That dream might only be delayed. He\u2019s widely regarded as the best No.8 in the Home Nations and, at 30, will still be at the top of his game in 2029.<\/p>\n While\u00a0Jack Conan<\/strong>\u00a0performed well this year, Doris offers more across the board. There may be back-row reshuffles involving\u00a0Jac Morgan<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0Pollock<\/strong>, but Doris remains the gold standard.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n