In a thrilling announcement that has sent ripples through the rugby community, Maro Itoje has been named captain of the British and Irish Lions for their upcoming tour of Australia. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, in front of a live audience at the O2 Arena in London, and it marks a significant moment for the English lock, who becomes the first Englishman to lead the Lions since Martin Johnson in 2001.
Joining Itoje in the 38-man squad is the exciting young talent Henry Pollock, a 20-year-old flanker from Northampton Saints, whose rapid rise in the sport has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike. Pollock, who only turned 20 in January and had played just one Premiership match before the start of this season, has made a remarkable impact since his Test debut for England in March 2025, where he scored two tries against Wales. His selection for the Lions is a testament to his explosive performances, particularly his standout showing against Leinster that helped propel Northampton into the Investec Champions Cup final.
"I wasn't certain, but I wouldn't say I needed convincing," said Lions head coach Andy Farrell, reflecting on Pollock's impressive display against Leinster. "I like what I see; like all top players, he is always trying to make a difference - there is an energy and bounce about him." Pollock's inclusion has been met with widespread acclaim, with fans erupting in cheers when his name was announced, highlighting his status as a breakout star this season.
Despite the excitement surrounding Pollock, the squad announcement also revealed some notable absences. Former England captain Owen Farrell, who has just returned to fitness with Racing 92, missed out on selection, as did Ireland's first-choice fly-half Sam Prendergast, and Scotland's Darcy Graham, among others. Farrell's father, Andy, acknowledged the veteran's experience and leadership qualities but confirmed that his fitness was a concern. "Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities," he said. "But it got to a point where he is still trying to find his way back to fitness."
In the backline, Farrell has opted for a mix of youth and experience, with Fin Smith, Finn Russell, and Marcus Smith named as the fly-halves. The squad also features two Welsh players - scrum-half Tomos Williams and flanker Jac Morgan - a low representation for Wales in recent Lions history. Pollock's inclusion among a strong group of back-row options, which includes Tom Curry and Ben Earl, speaks volumes about his potential to make a significant impact during the tour.
One of the most heartbreaking stories from the squad announcement is the injury to Ireland captain Caelan Doris, who was seen as a frontrunner for the captaincy before suffering a shoulder injury in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton. Andy Farrell expressed his disappointment for Doris, stating, "As you can imagine, he is devastated. He would definitely have been in the mix, such an experienced player and leader. Sport can be cruel sometimes, but Caelan will be back bigger and stronger."
In terms of representation, Ireland leads the way with 15 players in the squad, followed by England with 13, Scotland with eight, and Wales with just two. Leinster is the most represented club, contributing 12 players to the Lions squad. The selection process saw Farrell and his coaching staff consider over 75 players, ultimately focusing on building a balanced squad capable of tackling the challenges of a demanding tour.
As the Lions prepare for their tour, which culminates in a three-Test series against the Wallabies, Itoje expressed his excitement about leading the team. "It feels amazing to be named Lions captain. I’m deeply honoured, humbled, and I will do my best to do the role justice," he said. With the appetite among the players high, Itoje is eager to take on the challenge ahead.
Fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation as they look forward to watching the Lions take on Australia. The squad's blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars like Pollock promises to deliver an exhilarating tour. The Investec Champions Cup final on May 24, 2025, will be a crucial moment for Pollock and his Northampton teammates as they aim to cap off a fantastic season.
With the Lions' tour just around the corner, all eyes will be on how this newly assembled squad performs on the international stage. Can they add to the rich legacy of the Lions? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for a remarkable summer of rugby.
