Surprise Call-Up
Toulon’s 27-year-old scrum-half Ben White received a last-minute call-up to the British and Irish Lions on June 28, 2025, replacing Wales’ Tomos Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Lions’ 54-7 win over Western Force in Perth. White, preparing with Scotland’s squad in Whangarei, New Zealand, for matches against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji, and Samoa, was informed by Lions head coach Andy Farrell. “I haven’t stopped shaking,” White told Scottish Rugby. “It’s an incredible honour. I’m really excited.” The call came just hours before his noon flight to Australia, leaving him little time to process the “pretty crazy” moment.
Emotional Reaction
White, who missed the initial 38-man Lions squad announcement, admitted it was “tough” to watch but focused on performing for Toulon, where he made 22 starts in 2024/25, scoring 4 tries and assisting 6. “I guess someone’s looking out for me upstairs,” he said, noting the unexpected opportunity. He immediately called his parents, who were “incredibly proud” but stunned. “It’s something you dream of but never think you’ll do,” White added. His call-up restores Scotland’s representation to eight players in the Lions squad, following Zander Fagerson’s injury withdrawal, joining teammates like Finn Russell and Rory Darge.
Scotland’s Loss, Lions’ Gain
White’s departure disrupts Scotland’s preparations for their June 28 clash with the Maori All Blacks. With 25 caps and a 68% tackle success rate, he was Gregor Townsend’s first-choice scrum-half. “It was an honour to be with Scotland, but the squad here is amazing, and they’ll do well,” White said, expressing confidence in replacements like Ali Price (2.1 passes per minute). Townsend congratulated White but now faces adjustments, with Scotland’s tour including Fiji (July 5) and Samoa (July 12). White is eager to reunite with Scottish teammates and meet new Lions players like Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong.
Path Forward
White joins the Lions for their remaining Australia tour matches, including clashes against the Wallabies (July 5) and Brumbies (July 8), aiming to make his debut in the second Test. His 83% passing accuracy and 1.8 kicks per game at Toulon suit Andy Farrell’s fast-paced style, but he must adapt quickly to compete with Ireland’s Conor Murray. Fans on X are thrilled, calling White’s call-up a “fairytale,” though some worry about Scotland’s scrum-half depth. Leicester City’s managerial search and transfer rumors, like Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, dominate sports news, but White’s Lions journey adds rugby excitement. His performance could secure a permanent Lions spot and boost Toulon’s Top 14 campaign.
