Tadhg Furlong relishing a chance at 'big boy rugby'

The Leinster and Ireland tighthead prop, a 2017 Test starter for the Lions against the All Blacks, is the frontrunner for the number three jersey against South Africa this weekend.

Tadhg Furlong

Tadhg Furlong is relishing the opportunity to play some “big boys’ rugby” on Saturday if he gets the call for the British & Irish Lions’ first Test against South Africa.

The Leinster and Ireland tighthead prop, a 2017 Test starter for the Lions against the All Blacks, is the frontrunner for the number three jersey four years on but admitted to nerves just like the rest of Warren Gatland’s 37-man squad as the head coach and his assistants put the finishing touches to their matchday starting XV and replacements ahead of Thursday morning’s team announcement.