Two inspirational Irish figures have yet to earn the Lions call, but are playing with points to prove.
Farrell will miss at least the Guinness Six Nations to prioritise his and his family's mental well-being following last autumn's Rugby World Cup in France, during which the Saracens fly-half was repeatedly booed by supporters at games.
Sale boss Steve Diamond has come out swinging ahead of the RFU report into the Sharks which is said to 'exonerate' them of wrongdoing.
High penalty counts affected the Premiership restart but Exeter boss Rob Baxter says the now reduced figures were helped by the return of Wayne Barnes.
Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been overlooked by critics as the greatest international coach in rugby history.
The Chiefs have rebuffed Steve Hansen's critique of the Super Rugby contract that will allow new coach Warren Gatland to take a season off to coach the British and Irish Lions.
With the World Cup under three weeks away, Steve Hansen has brushed aside claims from the United Kingdom that the All Blacks are 'cynical cheats'.
The controversy surrounding Stuart Barnes' remarks in the wake of Sam Warburton's retirement shows no sign of letting up, with the Sky Sports pundit continuing to joust with Welsh fans online in an increasingly bitter battle.