Here's what they think…
Richard Cockerill - forwards coach Leicester Tigers
"I think it's a big year for all the guys. The English guys that are in the Elite Player Squad know there's the added bonus of a Lions tour at the end of the season. The incentive to play well for your country is heightened even more. It's a four-year cycle for the Lions and, in lots of careers, you don't get that opportunity.
"We've got eight guys in the senior EPS and three in the Saxons so we've got a great chance of having a few Lions next year. Geordan Murphy will hopefully be there or thereabouts with the Ireland squad as well.
"It's all about who hits their straps early, who's on good form and which team is successful. If England can come through and top the Six Nations or win the Grand Slam then that will push a lot of players to the forefront of selection.
"It's the pinnacle of a lot of Test players careers to go on a Lions tour. The World Champions versus the Lions is going to be a massive event and a lot of guys will see that as a huge incentive to get fit, stay fit and play well."
Steve Meehan - Bath Rugby
"If the guys use the Lions tour as motivation and it works well for Bath, then terrific.
"From Bath, they've got to make it into their national side, though. If you make that transition, then you get the opportunity to play Test rugby, whether it be in the autumn or Six Nations. That's where you'll have to prove yourself to go on into the British and Irish Lions squad.
"To make that step and make sure England are playing well and to give yourself the best chance of making the Lions - does it provide motivation - perhaps. For those who are in the Elite Player Squad now there's perhaps an added incentive and also for others currently outside that squad.
"We saw on the last Lions tour that the bolter (Ryan Jones) came from Wales and ended up being probably the best performer, so anything's possible."
Sean Holley - Ospreys
"It's something that's way down the line with them but will grow as the season goes on.
"They've got other things on their mind with the start of the season with the Ospreys and building to the start of the international season. As they'll tell you themselves, if they don't hit form with their clubs or regions, they won't hit international rugby and therefore the Lions will be something that's out of their reach."
