2025 British & Irish Lions Squad Overview, Fixtures, Tickets & Tours

Today saw the announcement of the 2025 squad set to tour Australia. Head Coach, Andy Farrell has selected a diverse squad comprising 15 Irish, 13 English, 8 Scottish, and 2 Welsh players. Notably, 26 players are set to make their Lions’ debut, highlighting a strategic infusion of fresh talent. Maro Itoje has been appointed as Captain, bringing leadership and experience to the team.

Assistant Coach: Johnny Sexton, former Ireland Captain, joins the coaching team, offering insights, particularly in goal-kicking and backline strategies.

Forwards

Maro Itoje                                                                                 (England/Saracens) – Captain

Tadhg Beirne                                                                                                (Ireland/Munster)

Ollie Chessum                                                                                           (England/Leicester)

Jack Conan                                                                                                    (Ireland/Leinster)

Luke Cowan-Dickie                                                                                           (England/Sale)

Scott Cummings                                                                                      ( Scotland/Glasgow)

Tom Curry                                                                                                         (England/Sale)

Ben Earl                                                                                                     (England/Saracens)

Zander Fagerson                                                                                       (Scotland/Glasgow)

Tadhg Furlong                                                                                              (Ireland/Leinster)

Ellis Genge                                                                                                     (England/Bristol)

Rónan Kelleher                                                                                             (Ireland/Leinster)

Joe McCarthy                                                                                                (Ireland/Leinster)

Jac Morgan                                                                                                    (Wales/Ospreys)

Henry Pollock                                                                                    (England/Northampton)

Andrew Porter                                                                                              (Ireland/Leinster)

James Ryan                                                                                                   (Ireland/Leinster)

Pierre Schoeman                                                                                   (Scotland/Edinburgh)

Dan Sheehan                                                                                                (Ireland/Leinster)

Will Stuart                                                                                                        (England/Bath)

Backs

Bundee Aki                                                                                                (Ireland/Connacht)

Elliot Daly                                                                                                  (England/Saracens)

Tommy Freeman                                                                               (England/Northampton)

Jamison Gibson-Park                                                                                    (Ireland/Leinster)

Mack Hansen                                                                                             (Ireland/Connacht)

Huw Jones                                                                                                (Scotland/Glasgow)

Hugo Keenan                                                                                                (Ireland/Leinster)

Blair Kinghorn                                                                                          (Scotland/Toulouse)

James Lowe                                                                                                  (Ireland/Leinster)

Alex Mitchell                                                                                      (England/Northampton)

Garry Ringrose                                                                                              (Ireland/Leinster)

Finn Russell                                                                                                     (Scotland/Bath)

Fin Smith                                                                                           (England/Northampton)

Marcus Smith                                                                                         (England/Harlequins)

Sione Tuipulotu                                                                                        (Scotland/Glasgow)

Duhan van der Merwe                                                                           (Scotland/Edinburgh)

Tomos Williams                                                                                          (Wales/Gloucester)

Quick Roundup of Key Players

Maro Itoje (Captain) – England, Saracens

Maro Itoje, a stalwart of English rugby, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Lions. Known for his athleticism and tactical acumen, Itoje has been a consistent performer for Saracens and England. His appointment as Captain reflects his ability to inspire and lead on the field.

Tadhg Furlong – Ireland, Leinster

A cornerstone of the Irish front row, Furlong is renowned for his scrummaging strength and mobility around the pitch. His experience and technical skills make him a valuable asset to the Lions' pack.

Dan Sheehan – Ireland, Leinster

Sheehan has rapidly established himself as a dynamic hooker, combining physicality with agility. His performances for Leinster have earned him a well-deserved spot on the tour.

Henry Pollock – England, Northampton Saints

At just 20 years old, Pollock is one of the youngest players selected. His impressive form for Northampton Saints and fearless approach have caught the attention of selectors.

Finn Russell – Scotland, Racing 92

Russell's flair and creativity at fly-half have made him a standout player for Scotland and Racing 92. His vision and kicking skills will be crucial in unlocking opposition defences.

Marcus Smith – England, Harlequins

Smith's rapid rise in English rugby is attributed to his quick decision-making and attacking prowess. His inclusion adds depth to the Lions' fly-half options.

Fin Smith – England, Northampton Saints

A promising talent, Fin Smith's composure and tactical awareness have been evident in his performances for Northampton Saints. His selection underscores the Lions' focus on nurturing young talent.

Elliot Daly – England, Saracens

Versatile and reliable, Daly's ability to cover multiple positions in the backline makes him a valuable squad member. His experience will be vital during the tour.

James Lowe – Ireland, Leinster

Lowe's power and finishing ability on the wing have been instrumental for Leinster and Ireland. His attacking threat will be a key component of the Lions' strategy.

Hugo Keenan – Ireland, Leinster

A consistent performer at full-back, Keenan's positional sense and counter-attacking skills have solidified his reputation as a dependable player.

Garry Ringrose – Ireland, Leinster

Ringrose's defensive solidity and attacking flair in the midfield have made him a mainstay for Leinster and Ireland. His experience will be crucial in organising the backline.

Bundee Aki – Ireland, Connacht

Aki's physicality and direct running lines provide the Lions with a powerful presence in the centre. His leadership qualities also add value off the field.

Jamison Gibson-Park – Ireland, Leinster

Gibson-Park's quick service and game management at scrum-half have been pivotal for Ireland's recent successes. His tempo control will be essential during the tour.

Mack Hansen – Ireland, Connacht

Hansen's agility and unpredictability on the wing have made him a fan favourite. His ability to create opportunities out of nothing adds an X-factor to the squad.

Joe McCarthy – Ireland, Leinster

A rising star in the second row, McCarthy's work rate and physicality have impressed at the provincial level. His selection reflects the Lions' investment in emerging talent.

Andrew Porter – Ireland, Leinster

Porter's versatility in the front row, capable of playing both loosehead and tighthead prop, provides valuable flexibility for the coaching staff.

James Ryan – Ireland, Leinster

Ryan's leadership and consistency in the second row have been key for Leinster and Ireland. His lineout expertise will be vital during the tour.

Tadhg Beirne – Ireland, Munster

Beirne's ability to disrupt opposition play at the breakdown and his mobility make him a dynamic option in the pack.

Jack Conan – Ireland, Leinster

Conan's ball-carrying ability and defensive work rate have been standout features of his game. His experience from previous Lions tours adds depth to the squad.

Josh van der Flier – Ireland, Leinster

The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier's relentless energy and tackling prowess make him a formidable presence in the back row.

Ronan Kelleher – Ireland, Leinster

Kelleher's dynamic play and accurate lineout throwing have established him as a top-tier hooker. His inclusion strengthens the Lions' front row options.

Jac Morgan – Wales, Ospreys

Morgan's leadership and tenacity have been evident in his performances for the Ospreys. His selection brings a competitive edge to the back row.

Tomos Williams – Wales, Cardiff Rugby

Williams' sharp passing and sniping runs from the base of the scrum add a different dimension to the Lions' attack.

Sione Tuipulotu – Scotland, Glasgow Warriors

Tuipulotu's powerful running and defensive solidity in the centre have been key for Glasgow Warriors. His inclusion adds depth to the midfield options.

Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland, Edinburgh Rugby

Van der Merwe's size and speed make him a constant threat on the wing. His try-scoring ability will be crucial for the Lions.

Blair Kinghorn – Scotland, Edinburgh Rugby

Kinghorn's versatility across the backline and his attacking instincts provide valuable options for the coaching staff.

Tour Expectations & Bookmakers' Odds (as of day of print)

The Lions' 2025 tour of Australia is highly anticipated, with expectations of a fiercely competitive series. Bookmakers have set the odds closely, reflecting the balanced nature of the contest with The Lions favoured for a series win. The inclusion of numerous debutants brings a fresh dynamic, while the leadership of Maro Itoje aims to unify the squad's efforts.

Series Winner Odds

The Lions are favoured to win the series, but the Wallabies are considered strong contenders: Bet365 News

• British & Irish Lions: Odds range from 4/9 to 5/11 across bookmakers.
• Australia: Odds range from 15/8 to 21/10.
• Draw: Odds range from 25/1 to 28/1. Oddschecker.com+1talkSPORT+1talkSPORT

 

Series Correct Score Markets

Bookmakers also offer odds on the exact outcome of the three-test series:

• Lions to win 3–0: Odds range from 6/4 to 9/4.
• Lions to win 2–1: Approximately 13/8.
• Australia to win 2–1: Around 11/4.
• Australia to win 3–0: Approximately 10/1. Bet365 NewsOddschecker.com

 

First Test Starting Lineup Odds

Betting is also available on players to start in the first test match: talkSPORT

• Maro Itoje: 1/20
• Dan Sheehan: 1/12
• Jamison Gibson-Park: 1/6
• Tadhg Beirne: 1/5

2025 Tour Fixtures

Note: All kick-off times are BST & subject to change.

Broadcast Information

In the United Kingdom, all matches of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour will be broadcast live exclusively on Sky Sports . Additionally, TalkSport  will provide live radio commentary for all fixtures.

Organised Travel Packages

Lions Rugby Travel (Official Provider)

Lions Tour Travel the official travel company for the Lions, offers a wide range of packages:

Destinations: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and other Australian cities.

Package Options: From short weekend breaks to extensive 39-night tours covering all nine matches.

Inclusions: Official match tickets, hand-picked accommodations, optional international flights, airport transfers, exclusive Lions merchandise, and access to events like the Lions Den and Lions Theatre.

Pricing: Packages start from £725.

For fans interested in attending the matches live in Australia from Ireland, official travel packages are available through Rugby Travel Ireland. These packages typically include match tickets, accommodation, and exclusive fan experiences. For more details and to book, visit their official website: Rugby Travel Ireland

As an official sub-agent, Sports Breaks provides various ticket and hotel packages:

Test Match Packages:

• • 1st Test (Brisbane): From £1,615
  • 2nd Test (Melbourne): From £1,670
  • 3rd Test (Sydney): From £1,749
  • All 3 Tests: From £4,900

Inclusions: Official match tickets, centrally located hotel accommodations with breakfast, a complimentary Lions jersey, and optional extras like stadium transfers.

Discounts: Save £100 per person when booking two Test Match packages or £150 per person for all three Tests using code 'Lions-100'.

Official Lions Tour Commemorative Rugby Ball

Celebrate the excitement of the British Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer with our official licensed rugby ball by Canterbury. This full-size (size 5) commemorative rugby ball is a perfect keepsake for the tournament.

Add a name to both sides of the ball at no extra cost! Create a unique display piece for a shelf, desk, or mantle, or switch it around whenever you like. Just tell us the recipient’s name and we’ll do the rest. Buy it Here along with all your other personalised sports gifts from Monster Sporting Gifts