As anticipation builds among rugby fans, Andy Farrell is set to unveil the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad this Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 1:30 PM BST during a live event at the O2 Arena in London. This marks a significant moment for the Lions as they prepare for their tour to Australia, with many of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales eagerly awaiting their selection for this prestigious team.
The announcement will be made in front of a live audience of approximately 2,000 fans, adding to the excitement of the occasion. Farrell, who previously served as an assistant coach during the successful 2013 Lions Tour to Australia, is now at the helm as head coach. His return to the Lions setup has sparked considerable interest, especially after he opted out of the 2021 tour to focus on his commitments with Ireland.
"This summer’s British and Irish Lions tour is beginning to round into view, and a major milestone on the road to Australia comes as head coach Andy Farrell names his squad," stated a source close to the Lions. The squad will be revealed live, with Lions chair Ieuan Evans reading out the selections made by Farrell and his coaching staff, alongside guest appearances and real-time reactions from selected players.
Farrell has been preparing for this moment by evaluating a longlist of about 75 players, ultimately narrowing it down to a squad of approximately 37. The decision-making process is particularly challenging this year due to the wealth of talent available across the four nations, and the coach will face tough choices as he finalizes his selections.
With the Lions set to compete in three Tests against the Wallabies, led by former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, the stakes are high. The first Test will kick off on July 19, 2025, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and the outcome of these matches could hinge on the composition of the squad Farrell assembles.
In addition to the Tests, the Lions will play several warm-up matches, starting with a fixture against Argentina on June 20, 2025, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This match will serve as a crucial tune-up before heading to Australia, where they will face Super Rugby teams such as the Western Force, Queensland Reds, and New South Wales Waratahs.
Among the key decisions Farrell faces is the selection of the Lions captain. Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris are considered the front-runners for this prestigious role, although Doris's fitness has come into question following a shoulder injury that may sideline him for several months. Itoje, who captained England during the 2025 Six Nations, has proven leadership qualities that could see him take the reins for the Lions.
"Itoje has excelled as the captain of Saracens and has shown he can handle the responsibilities of leadership on the international stage," noted a rugby expert. Meanwhile, Farrell's decision to potentially name a tour skipper separate from the Test captain has opened up further discussions among fans and analysts alike.
The Lions coaching staff has also been finalized, with notable figures including Johnny Sexton joining the ranks. Sexton, a legendary former fly-half, will contribute to the coaching team, which includes other prominent names from the Irish and English rugby systems.
As the excitement builds, fans are encouraged to tune in to the live announcement, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports and streamed on the official Lions YouTube channel. For those unable to attend in person, the event promises to be an engaging spectacle, showcasing the best of rugby talent and the storied tradition of the British & Irish Lions.
The full schedule for the Lions tour is as follows:
- June 20, 2025: Lions vs. Argentina, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 8 PM BST
- June 28, 2025: Lions vs. Western Force, Optus Stadium, Perth, 10:45 AM BST
- July 2, 2025: Lions vs. Queensland Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 10:45 AM BST
- July 5, 2025: Lions vs. NSW Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 10:45 AM BST
- July 9, 2025: Lions vs. ACT Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 10:45 AM BST
- July 12, 2025: Lions vs. Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 10:15 AM BST
- July 19, 2025: Lions vs. Australia (First Test), Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 10:45 AM BST
- July 22, 2025: Lions vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, 10:45 AM BST
- July 26, 2025: Lions vs. Australia (Second Test), MCG, Melbourne, 10:45 AM BST
- August 2, 2025: Lions vs. Australia (Third Test), Accor Stadium, Sydney, 10:45 AM BST
As the countdown to the squad announcement continues, rugby enthusiasts are left to wonder which players will make the cut and how Farrell will shape his team for the challenges ahead. The excitement is palpable, and all eyes will be on the O2 Arena as the Lions prepare to embark on another historic tour.
