British Irish Lions Confirm Maro Itoje Captain For 2025 Australia Tour

The British and Irish Lions will tour Australia in 2025 with Maro Itoje named as captain, the first Englishman to hold the role since 2001. The tour, led by head coach Andy Farrell, aims to secure a southern hemisphere series win for the Lions for the first time in 12 years, with matches running from June 20 in Dublin against Argentina through to August 2 with the final Test in Australia. A notable addition to the schedule is a July 22 match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV, replacing the Melbourne Rebels who disbanded. Sky Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the series, and Owen Farrell is set to join their punditry team for the opening match against Argentina. The Lions’ 2025 tour continues the tradition of high-stakes rugby clashes, with historical context highlighting the significance of these tours and the fierce competition with hosts like Australia, who last lost a series to the Lions in 2013. The excitement around the tour is heightened by the inclusion of rising talents like Henry Pollock and the anticipation of intense, memorable rugby moments.