Maro Itoje Steps Up as Lions Captain for 2025 Tour Down Under
Here’s something to stir the rugby world: Lions 2025 will be led by Maro Itoje, making him the youngest British & Irish Lions captain since the 1920s. Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad, announced with a fanfare at London’s O2 Arena, hits just the right mix of stardust, grit, and fresh promise as they prepare to take on Australia next year. Itoje, the Saracens lock, barely 30 and already one of the game’s biggest presences, was a popular pick—both for his leadership on-field and his laid-back cool off it.
Fans who tuned in live (Sky Sports and a heavy digital rollout made sure of that) watched as Farrell called up some old heads and a blaze of new names. England’s Henry Pollock, whose Test debut was only in March, makes the leap into the Lions with barely a year of top-level experience—clearly, the selectors liked what they saw. Up front, bruisers like Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, and Andrew Porter give the front row a menacing edge. Add in names like Tadhg Beirne, Ollie Chessum, and the ever-energetic Tom Curry, and you have a forward pack that is built for battle, not for show.
Scottish Contingent, Big Surprises—and the Waiting Game for Owen Farrell
Eight Scottish players get the nod, showing just how far Scottish rugby’s star has risen since their Pro14 triumph. Scott Cummings and Zander Fagerson headline from the north, and you can sense a pride and energy from the Scottish group. For years, Scotland’s representation on the Lions felt like a tick-box exercise. Not anymore—they’re essential pieces of Farrell’s plan.
Still, not everyone’s celebrating. Sam Prendergast, seen by many fans as a nailed-on pick, is missing from the lineup. Mack Hansen, too, won’t travel as a Lion, though his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. These decisions always spark debate, but Farrell, who himself knows a thing or two about high-stakes rugby selections, seems to have a clear vision.
And then there’s the Owen Farrell question. England’s former captain—by all accounts still one of the sharpest minds in the game—hasn’t made the cut. But Andy Farrell made it clear: two squad spots remain open, and Owen is firmly in the running if the need arises before the plane leaves for Australia. Expect that chatter to rumble on in rugby circles for some time yet.
What’s obvious is that this is not a conservative Lions selection. There’s a sense of a new era dawning. With names familiar and unfamiliar heading for Sydney, and Itoje holding the reins, this tour offers a blend of continuity and genuine excitement. The Lions know they face a hungry, rebuilding Wallabies outfit on their own turf. If this announcement is any clue, fans are right to be hyped. Every rugby lover in the UK and Ireland will be counting down the months to kick-off.