British & Irish Lions Announce 38-Person Squad for Australia Tour

The 2025 British & Irish Lions squad for the Australia tour has been announced, featuring a total of 38 players with a notable shift in representation among the Home Nations: 15 from Ireland, 13 from England, 8 from Scotland, and only 2 from Wales. Maro Itoje of England will captain the team, continuing a tradition of strong leadership, while Ireland's dominant presence includes key forwards like Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan, and backs such as Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen. The Scottish contingent includes eight players, though several are returning from injuries, with Finn Russell and Pierre Schoeman among the match-fit members. Welsh representation is at its lowest with only Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams selected. The tour itinerary includes matches against regional teams and test matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney between July and August 2025. This selection signals a bold new direction under Andy Farrell's leadership and highlights Ireland's rising power in international rugby.