British & Irish Lions

Michael Owen: Monthly Blog on London Welsh and the Lions

A lot has been said about Wales' performances at the World Cup in New Zealand last year, but after securing successive wins against Ireland and Scotland in the Six Nations, the Welsh have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with and genuine contenders for the Six Nations title.

The Six Nations is looking less clear-cut by the day and with new coaches coming to the forefront, so do a new array of gifted players.

When the British and Irish Lions fixtures for 2013 were released in late November you could feel that frisson of excitement.

Talking Rugby Union posed the question the other day of who should the next Lions captain be. An interesting proposition, as there is no stand out leader in Britain or Ireland at the moment

Having their star-studded core of Welsh talent combined with high-profile All Blacks, the Ospreys have been described as 'the Real Madrid of Wales'

Competition for places will be sky high for the test series as the Lions look to avenge their 2-1 defeat back in 2001