Head coach Andy Farrell has officially announced the squad for the highly anticipated 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, and from a Welsh perspective, it’s a rather muted affair. Just two Welsh players have made the cut: scrum-half Tomos Williams and flanker Jac Morgan. While there’s pride in seeing any red jersey represented, it’s hard to overlook how heavily the squad leans towards Ireland and England.
Indeed, Ireland alone contributes 15 players to the squad, including regulars like Bundee Aki, Hugo Keenan, and captaincy contenders Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan, while England has 13 representatives. This marks a significant moment for Welsh rugby, as the selection of only two players reflects the challenges faced by the national side in recent years.
Tomos Williams, now playing for Gloucester, has been a standout performer for Wales over the past two years. The 29-year-old scrum-half has been directly involved in 15 tries in just 13 Premiership matches, showcasing his sharpness around the fringes and quick-thinking abilities. He will be competing with Jamison Gibson-Park and Alex Mitchell for the starting jersey in Australia.
Jac Morgan’s selection comes as no surprise. The Ospreys back-row has emerged as a key figure for Wales since taking on captaincy duties, bringing relentless work rate, breakdown presence, and leadership to the pitch. His inclusion alongside the likes of Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Conan in the squad suggests he could earn a Test start if he maintains his form.
The British and Irish Lions have also unveiled their new shirt for the tour, which features a darker shade of red, a pattern woven into the fabric symbolizing the union of the four nations, and an old-fashioned ‘grandad’ collar. Excitingly, this year’s jersey also comes equipped with an NFC Tag, providing access to exclusive content in the Lions Clubhouse app once scanned.
Despite the disappointing representation of Welsh players, the inclusion of Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan demonstrates that there’s still talent within the ranks. The limited presence on the tour reflects the current challenges facing Welsh rugby, particularly after a historically bad run of 17 straight defeats and back-to-back wooden spoons in the Six Nations.
In fact, this is Wales’ lowest representation in a Lions squad since the post-war era, which is a testament to the struggles the national team has faced lately. The last three Lions tours have seen Welsh players captaining the squad, but this time, it will be England’s Maro Itoje leading the way.
Maro Itoje expressed his honor in taking on the captaincy, stating, “It’s hard to articulate. It’s a tremendous honour, a tremendous privilege. You think about the people who have held this position before and it’s remarkable.” He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the Lions continue to hold their elevated status in the rugby world.
Williams expressed his emotions upon learning of his selection, saying, “I’ve got to admit, I did shed a tear, I’m very proud. The last two days, I’ve been an emotional wreck. I’m just grateful for my parents firstly, and my partner. Everyone who has helped me get this far. It’s the top of the mountain, you can’t get much higher than this achievement. I’m lost for words.”
As the squad stands, the breakdown reveals a heavy influence from Ireland, with 15 players selected, while England follows closely with 13. Scotland contributes 8 players, and Wales, with only 2, faces scrutiny over its current rugby standing. The full squad includes notable players such as Bundee Aki (Ireland/Connacht), Elliot Daly (England/Saracens), and Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland/Leinster).
In the forwards, the Lions have a strong lineup featuring props like Tadhg Furlong and Ellis Genge, alongside locks such as Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne. The back row includes the likes of Jac Morgan, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Tomos Williams, in particular, has been a beacon of hope for Welsh rugby, and his selection is a reflection of his consistent performance at the club level. His ability to create opportunities and manage the game effectively makes him a valuable asset to the Lions squad.
Meanwhile, Jac Morgan’s leadership qualities have been evident throughout his tenure as captain for Wales. His relentless drive and work ethic set a standard that the Lions will undoubtedly benefit from during their tour.
As the countdown to the tour begins, the British and Irish Lions will be looking to make a significant impact in Australia, and despite the limited Welsh representation, the talent of Williams and Morgan offers a glimmer of hope for fans. The squad has been carefully curated to ensure a competitive edge, and the players will be eager to prove their worth on the international stage.
With the tour set to kick off this summer, all eyes will be on the Lions as they aim to reclaim their status and build on their storied legacy. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging stars promises to make for an exciting tour, and the journey begins now.
