In a significant announcement for rugby fans, Maro Itoje has been named the captain of the British & Irish Lions for their upcoming tour to Australia, set to commence next month. The decision was made public on May 8, 2025, during an event in London, where head coach Andy Farrell unveiled a 38-man squad that is poised to make history.
Itoje, a 30-year-old lock from Saracens, is stepping into this prestigious role as the first English captain of the Lions since Martin Johnson led the team in 2001. Known for his outstanding performances, Itoje has been a key player for England since making his international debut in 2016. He played in every Test during the Lions’ tours to New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport's premier second-rows.
In a twist of fate, Itoje's ascension to captaincy comes at the expense of Ireland's Caelan Doris, who has been ruled out of the tour following shoulder surgery. Doris, a rising star in his own right, suffered the injury during Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Saints on May 3, 2025. His absence is a significant blow for the team, as he was considered a frontrunner for the captaincy before his unfortunate setback.
Farrell expressed his disappointment regarding Doris’s injury, stating, "He’s devastated, he would have definitely been in the mix, he would have been an experienced player and leader. Sport can be cruel, but Caelan will be back bigger and stronger." This sentiment reflects the unpredictability of sports, where injuries can drastically alter the course of a player’s career and a team's strategy.
Despite the absence of Doris, the squad boasts a record 15 Irish players, showcasing the strength of Irish rugby. Twelve of these players hail from Leinster, including key forwards such as Tadhg Beirne, Andrew Porter, and Josh van der Flier. Connacht's Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen also made the cut, while Munster's Tadhg Beirne is the only representative from his club, and Ulster has no players in the squad.
The English representation is strong, with 13 players selected, including Itoje, who is joined by other notable names such as Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, and Tomos Williams. Scotland contributes eight players to the mix, while only two Welsh players, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, have made the squad.
In a statement reflecting on the selection process, Farrell remarked, "Since we met as a coaching unit for the very first time six weeks ago, we have been discussing more than 75 players of interest. But the key job is getting that squad balance right as we prepare for a long and demanding tour that finishes with a three-Test series against the Wallabies." This careful consideration underscores the strategic planning that goes into assembling a team capable of achieving success on such a grand stage.
As captain, Itoje expressed his excitement for the upcoming tour, stating, "It feels amazing to be named Lions captain. I’m deeply honoured, humbled and I will do my best to do the role justice. I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead; it’s going to be a great tour. I know the appetite amongst the players is extremely high, everyone is hungry to be a Lion and I can’t wait to play my role." His enthusiasm is palpable, and it sets a positive tone for the team as they prepare for a demanding schedule.
The British & Irish Lions will kick off their tour with a warm-up match against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on June 20, 2025, before embarking on a nine-game tour of Australia. The highly anticipated three-Test series against the Wallabies is set to begin on July 19 in Brisbane, followed by matches in Melbourne on July 26 and Sydney on August 2.
With a mix of youth and experience, the squad is poised to make a mark in rugby history. The inclusion of fast-rising talents like 20-year-old Henry Pollock, who only made his international debut in March and scored twice in a win against Wales, adds an exciting dynamic to the team. Farrell noted Pollock's impressive confidence and potential, indicating that he could be a key player as the tour progresses.
As the countdown to the tour begins, the British & Irish Lions are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating series against the Wallabies. With Itoje at the helm, the team aims not only to uphold the prestigious legacy of the Lions but also to create new memories that fans will cherish for years to come.
In summary, Maro Itoje’s appointment as captain marks a new chapter for the British & Irish Lions, one filled with hope, determination, and the spirit of rugby. With the tour on the horizon, fans eagerly await the chance to see how this remarkable squad will perform against one of the toughest opponents in international rugby.
