Regarded by Paul Ackford as England's find of the season, Stevens (still only 22) has the world at his feet.

Yet despite all the plaudits coming his way of late, his Lions call-up was something of a surprise as he has only recently begun to emerge as a first choice at Bath. Born in South Africa but qualifying for England through his parental grandparents, Stevens joined Bath three years ago after playing for the country of his birth at both Under-18 and Under-19 levels.

In truth he has been sparingly used at the Rec, making less than 40 Premiership appearances to date and the majority of those off the bench as a frustrated - but hugely effective - impact player.

Big and strong, Stevens also has a good turn of pace - particularly for a front rower - and will surely go on to form a frighteningly-mobile front row with Andy Titterrell and Andrew Sheridan in England teams of the future.

His international debut only came last year but his versatility - he is primarily a loose-head but has adapted well to the demands on the other side of the front three - and mature performances for England during the Six Nations won Sir Clive Woodward over.