Andy Farrell reveals 2025 British & Irish Lions squad with Maro Itoje at the helm

Itoje will become the first Englishman to captain the famous invitational team in 24 years, following fellow countryman and lock Martin Johnson, who skippered the team against the Wallabies in 2001.

The 30-year-old succeeds Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones, with whom he started alongside in the second row in all three Test matches against the Springboks four years ago.

It will be Itoje's third tour, having played all three matches against the All Blacks back in 2017. He has started five of his six British and Irish Lions Test matches, the exception being his debut in the first game against New Zealand.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris was the leading candidate to skipper the team with Itoje in close second, but the number eight sustained a shoulder injury in the Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints, ruling him out of contention.

Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell, said: "I want to congratulate Maro on being named captain of The British & Irish Lions.

"This is a great honour for Maro, his family and everyone who has supported him throughout his career from Saracens to England - and on to The Lions in 2017 and 2021.

"As a two-time tourist, Maro fully understands what The Lions is all about and also the role of the captain in helping the group achieve its goal of winning a Test Series this summer."

British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje said: "It feels amazing to be named Lions captain.

"I'm deeply honoured, humbled and I will do my best to do the role justice. I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead, it's going to be a great Tour.

"I know the appetite amongst the players is extremely high, everyone is hungry to be a Lion and I can't wait to play my role."

The 2025 Lions squad features a mix of proven internationals and fresh talent, setting the stage for an exciting tour. England lock Itoje is joined by a core of experienced forwards including Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, and James Ryan.

In the back row, the inclusion of Tom Curry and Ben Earl adds athleticism and versatility, while Jac Morgan's selection rewards his standout performances for Wales. Ireland's Josh van der Flier, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, is another key figure, as is rising English star Henry Pollock.

Among the backs, the playmaking trio of Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith highlights the Lions' attacking ambition. Russell's flair, Marcus Smith's creativity, and Fin Smith's control should provide Farrell with a wide range of tactical options. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose return to provide midfield steel, while the electric pace of wingers like Mack Hansen and Tommy Freeman promises excitement out wide.

The squad also features two South African-born players - prop Pierre Schoeman and winger Duhan van der Merwe - both of whom now represent Scotland at international level.

National representation across the squad is evenly balanced - struggling Wales aside - with a strong showing from Scotland, a reflection of their recent rise in competitiveness. Aside from Schoeman and Van der Merwe, the likes of Blair Kinghorn, Huw Jones, and Jamie Ritchie all make the cut as well, though Ireland and England dominate the core of the pack and playmaking roles. Wales' Tomos Williams adds sharpness at scrumhalf, rounding out a well-balanced squad with depth and variety across the board.

On his squad selection, Farrell added: "Since we met as a coaching unit for the very first time six weeks ago we have been discussing more than 75 players of interest.

"But the key job is getting that squad balance right as we prepare for a long and demanding tour that finishes with a Three Test Series against the Wallabies.

"I am very excited about working with this group and believe they have the capacity to achieve something special and add to the Lions legacy."

2025 British & Irish Lions squad

Forwards: Tadhg Beirne, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Scott Cummings, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Zander Fagerson, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje (c), Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Pierre Schoeman, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Elliot Daly, Tommy Freeman, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn, James Lowe, Alex Mitchell, Garry Ringrose, Finn Russell, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Tomos Williams.

British and Irish Lions fixtures

Friday, June 20

B&I Lions v Argentina - Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday, June 28

Western Force v B&I Lions - Optus Stadium, Perth

Wednesday, July 2

Queensland Reds v B&I Lions - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Saturday, July 5

NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions - Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wednesday, July 9

ACT Brumbies v B&I Lions - GIO Stadium, Canberra

Saturday, July 12

Invitational Australia and New Zealand v B&I Lions - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Saturday, July 19

Australia v B&I Lions - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Tuesday, July 22

First Nations and Pasifika XV v B&I Lions - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

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