The British and Irish Lions have officially announced their 38-man squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, with England’s Maro Itoje confirmed as captain. The announcement marks a significant moment in Lions history, as Itoje becomes the first Englishman to lead the side since Martin Johnson in 2001—and notably, the first Black player to hold the honour in the team’s storied history.
The Lions, a composite team comprising players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, tour every four years, rotating between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. With anticipation already high, the 2025 tour is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched rugby events of the year.
Itoje’s Leadership Role
Itoje, 30, has long been considered one of the standout players of his generation. A seasoned international with over 70 caps for England, he previously toured with the Lions in 2017 (New Zealand) and 2021 (South Africa), earning plaudits for his physicality, discipline, and reading of the game. He has also served as captain at both club level for Saracens and occasionally for England.
His appointment was widely welcomed, with head coach Andy Farrell praising Itoje’s maturity, experience, and understanding of what it means to be a Lion. Farrell, himself a former dual-code international and assistant coach on the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours, described Itoje as someone who “commands respect and brings people together.”
“Leadership on a Lions tour is about more than just winning matches,” Farrell noted. “It’s about unity, adaptability, and understanding the values of four nations coming together as one. Maro exemplifies those qualities.”
Squad Overview
The 38-man squad features a balanced mix of established internationals and promising young talent. Ireland leads the way with 15 players selected, reflecting their recent dominance in the Six Nations. England contributes 14 players, Scotland seven, and Wales just two—underlining a difficult period for Welsh rugby at international level.
Key names from Ireland include tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong, lock James Ryan, centre Bundee Aki, scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, and full-back Hugo Keenan. England’s selections feature fly-half Marcus Smith, flanker Ben Earl, and utility back Elliot Daly. Scotland’s contingent includes the mercurial Finn Russell and powerhouse winger Duhan van der Merwe.
Your Lions 2025 squad 🦁📋 #Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond pic.twitter.com/JJ9nF2w9eh
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 8, 2025
The low Welsh representation—limited to just two players—has raised eyebrows but is not wholly unexpected given the side’s recent struggles on the international stage.
There were also some notable omissions. Ireland’s Caelan Doris, widely tipped as a potential tour captain earlier in the year, was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Sam Prendergast, the young Irish fly-half many considered a rising star, was also left out. Owen Farrell, the former England captain and son of Lions head coach Andy Farrell, was omitted largely due to his current stint with French club Racing 92, which impacted his availability under tour selection criteria.
2025 Tour Fixtures
The tour will begin with a warm-up match against Argentina on June 20 in Dublin—the first time the Lions will play a fixture in the northern hemisphere ahead of a southern tour. The squad will then travel to Australia for a challenging 10-match itinerary, including three Test matches against the Wallabies.
The tour schedule is as follows:
- June 20 – vs Argentina (Dublin)
- June 28 – vs Western Force (Perth)
- July 2 – vs Queensland Reds (Brisbane)
- July 5 – vs NSW Waratahs (Sydney)
- July 9 – vs ACT Brumbies (Canberra)
- July 12 – vs Australia/New Zealand Invitational XV (Adelaide)
- July 19 – First Test vs Australia (Brisbane)
- July 22 – vs First Nations/Pasifika XV (Melbourne)
- July 26 – Second Test vs Australia (Melbourne)
- August 2 – Third Test vs Australia (Sydney)
The inclusion of fixtures against composite and representative sides like the Australia/New Zealand Invitational XV and the First Nations/Pasifika XV reflects a growing emphasis on inclusion and celebration of rugby’s diverse global heritage.
High Expectations and Historic Context
The Lions last toured Australia in 2013, securing a famous 2–1 series win under Warren Gatland. Since then, they drew their 2017 series against New Zealand and narrowly lost the 2021 series in South Africa. The 2025 tour therefore presents a fresh opportunity for success against a Wallabies side currently undergoing its own rebuild under new leadership.
The announcement of Itoje as captain also brings additional historical weight to the tour. His appointment is widely seen as a step forward for representation in elite rugby, where diversity in leadership roles has long lagged behind.
“It’s an honour and a responsibility,” Itoje said in his first comments following the announcement. “I’m proud to lead a group of men representing four proud rugby nations. Our job now is to come together and represent the jersey with pride.”
Looking Ahead
The British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour to Australia is more than just a rugby series—it’s a showcase of elite talent, cross-border cooperation, and sporting tradition. With a well-balanced squad, a demanding tour schedule, and a captain who commands both presence and respect, hopes will be high that the Lions can replicate their 2013 success and perhaps exceed it.
For now, all eyes turn to June as the Lions prepare to write the next chapter in one of rugby’s greatest stories.
