The rise and rise of Pollock continues... but for Wales the truth is hard to bear

SO, there we have it. Andy Farrell has announced his British & Irish Lions squad for this summer's tour of Australia and there are only two Welsh players included.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent

Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams are part of the lowest contingent from Wales on a Lions tour since 1936, while England lock Maro Itoje has been named as captain.

There is plenty to unpack in the wake of Farrell's squad announcements, with the odd eye-opening selection and one or two shock omissions.

Here are the key talking points.

Shock selections

In reality there weren't too many shocks but when England backrower Henry Pollock's name was read out by Lions chair Ieuan Evans it was met by an almighty cheer from the crowd at the O2 Arena in London.

The 20-year-old has only one senior international cap to his name - as a late replacement as England thrashed Wales in Cardiff a couple of months ago.

This time last year Pollock led England U20s to glory in the U20s World Championship in South Africa, so it is fair to say his rise has been meteoric.