Overview

• Maro Itoje becomes the first English and first Black captain of the British and Irish Lions since 2001, leading the squad for the 2025 tour of Australia.
• The 38-player squad, unveiled at a public event at London's O2 Arena, includes 21 forwards and 17 backs, with 15 players from Ireland, 13 from England, eight from Scotland, and two from Wales.
• Henry Pollock, a 20-year-old flanker with just one international cap, is a surprise inclusion following standout performances for Northampton Saints.
• Ireland captain Caelan Doris is ruled out due to a shoulder injury, while Owen Farrell remains under consideration for one of two open slots left for potential late call-ups.
• The tour begins with a warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, followed by three Tests against Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.