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3d ago

Maro Itoje Poised to Lead British & Irish Lions as Squad Announcement Nears

Andy Farrell will reveal the 37–40-player squad on Thursday, with Itoje favored for captaincy following Caelan Doris's injury setback.

Rugby Union - Autumn International - Scotland v Australia - BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Britain - November 7, 2021 Australia's James O’Connor scores a penalty goal REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Rugby Union - British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell Press Conference to announce assistant coaches - Canterbury's Offices, London, Britain - March 26, 2025 British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell during the announcement Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Overview

  • Andy Farrell will announce the British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 Australia tour on Thursday at London's O2 Arena before 2,000 fans.
  • Maro Itoje is widely expected to be named captain, becoming the first Englishman in the role since 2001, as Caelan Doris undergoes shoulder surgery that could rule him out of the tour.
  • The squad is expected to feature 37–40 players, a smaller group compared to previous tours, with Finn Russell leading the race for the starting fly-half position.
  • Farrell faces a key selection dilemma over including his son, Owen Farrell, who has three Lions tours under his belt but has had an injury-hit season.
  • The Lions' tour begins on June 20 with a match against Argentina in Dublin, followed by five warm-up games in Australia and a three-Test series against the Wallabies starting July 19.