Foden still set on Lions place

It helps to get on a Lions tour if you are versatile

England fullback Ben Foden refuses to give up hope of earning a call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad for next year’s tour to Australia.

Foden is considered unlikely to make the touring party with Welsh star Leigh Halfpenny and Ireland’s Rob Kearney the favourites to fill the fullback slots.

The 27-year-old is well aware of his current standing in the pecking order but he is convinced coach Warren Gatland hasn’t settled on selections yet.

Foden missed the end-of-year internationals with an ankle injury but returned to action with Northampton at the end of November and he feels he has plenty of time to prove his worth before Gatland names his squad in April.

“I’ve already had many tweets saying ‘you are not going and it’s Leigh Halfpenny for me’. There are a lot of good fullbacks out there at the moment who are playing very well,” Foden, who hopes his experience playing at scrumhalf and centre will aid his cause, told the Sunday Express.

“But it helps to get on a Lions tour if you are versatile and can operate in different positions. There’s only a limited squad that goes out there and a lot of games to get through. I’d play anywhere, No.15 or 13 or nine.

“Everyone wants to be picked for the Lions. Warren Gatland says it’s a clean slate for every player. He will pick guys on performance and if they are playing well in the Premiership as well as in the internationals.

“I’ve got to get my head down and perform at Franklin’s Gardens. Then, all being well, I might get the nod.”

Source: lionsrugby.com