Lions 2013 Hookers - Where Are They Now?

The second in a seven-part series in the run up to this summer’s selection, taking a look at the 2013 incumbents and their chances of being selected again.

Part 1: Props

DYLAN HARTLEY

2013 tour: A New Zealander with an English mother and face like an angry sponge, Hartley had been playing for England since 2008 without ever quite nailing down his place. In the early 2010s he became Northampton captain as the side became much more successful, but occasionally celebrated by punching someone and picking up a ban. In 2013 he was named in the Lions squad, celebrated by swearing at Wayne Barnes during a Premiership final (we’ve all done it) and got himself banned for a fourth time, costing him a place on tour.

Since then: Hartley has continued to captain Northampton and get banned as a hobby. He initially lost his starting England place too Tom Youngs shortly after the Lions tour, and after a headbutting incident in May 2015 lost his World Cup place to the headbutt-ee, Jamie George. After the World Cup Eddie Jones made him England captain, and proceeded to captain England’s first ever unbeaten year in 2016, showing the world that you don’t doubt Eddie Jones. He celebrated with a swinging arm on Sean O’Brien in a European cup game and got banned for six weeks.

Touring chances: 35%. Hartley’s success with England has come at the strange cost of showing the world just how good Jamie George is in 30 minute intervals, so it hasn’t done as much as it should for his Lions chances. Disciplinary issues aside, Hartley’s main barrier is that he’s either a starter or bust, with Jamie George being a much more dynamic option off the bench. And starter doesn’t seem to likely either. One way in might be as a set piece specialist or possibly a midweek captain. Some are saying it would be pretty crazy to leave out the England captain. The last time the England captain toured was 2001.

RICHARD HIBBARD

2013 tour: A cross between a Challenger II tank and a member of Whitesnake, Hibbard was one of several players that rose with the 2011-13 Welsh side under Gatland and formed the core of the resulting Lions side. Hibbard played the majority of tour matches as an impact sub but started the decisive third test.

Since then: Questions over his throwing led to him being replaced by Scott Baldwin in the Wales side. Nobody really sees Baldwin as the best hooker in Wales any more, but the emergence of Ken Owens and a move to Gloucester has made a return to internationals quite unlikely.

Touring chances: 15%. Why not? Hibs continues to perform admirably for Gloucester and going outside of the six nations is not exactly unheard of. One of a few names that could get that third hooker spot.

TOM YOUNGS

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2013 tour: Originally a square-built, hard-carrying centre, in 2011 25-year old Youngs was playing his first season at hooker for Nottingham in the English Championship. Two years later he was starting hooker for the Lions. He had started playing for England in 2012 while Hartley was on one of his many absences and had impressed, to the extent that he would continue to battle Hartley for the position for the next three years. In 2013 he was in the form of his life and his appearances in tour matches convinced Gatland to pick him for the first test.

Since then: Youngs played for England in the world cup but lost his place to long time rival Hartley under Eddie Jones, and Jamie George’s existence (along with Tommy Taylor) has meant he is not expected to be back in the squad any time soon. Most point to a lack of ability at the set piece, having taken up hooker so late. He has continued to play for Leicester and has made his debut season as captain.

Touring chances: 2%. Has fallen well down the ranks in England colours and is busy trying to not lead Leicester to one of the worst seasons in their pro history. It’s possible that a few excellent performances in Premiership knockouts could draw Gatland’s eye again, but George and Taylor both have a better platform to do so.

RORY BEST

2013 tour: Irish fans probably felt maligned (I mean, more than usual) when long-term hooker Best was initially left out of the touring squad after a poor six nations. Brought in to replace Hartley, Best was revealed to just not be playing especially well at the time, and only made four appearances against the club teams.

Since then: Best held onto his starting spot under new Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and got something of a second wind, establishing himself as one of the top hookers in Europe for Ireland and Ulster. Taking over as Ireland captain after Paul O’Connell’s retirement makes him one of two international captains to have an actual chance at playing.

Touring chances: 85% I’d be shocked if Best didn’t tour at all, though some lineout problems persist and Owens and George are options that could feasibly keep him out of the test 23. This Lions squad will be short of long-term captains, not least ones who have beaten NZ, and that should make the difference for him.