No Welsh Lions as Wallabies Name Changed Squad

For the first time in 129 years, no Welsh players have been named in the British and Irish Lions test squad to face Australia in Brisbane, with the 23-man squad featuring 11 Irish, nine English, and three Scottish players. Lions head coach Andy Farrell emphasized squad depth and balance as reasons for the historic omission. The Wallabies, coached by Joe Schmidt, have also announced a significantly altered lineup due to injuries, with Tom Lynagh making his first international start at flyhalf and Nick Champion de Crespigny debuting at blindside flanker. Key Wallabies players Rob Valetini and Noah Lolesio are among those ruled out. The Lions arrive in Brisbane following an undefeated tour, while both teams contend with last-minute injury disruptions ahead of Saturday's opening test. The stakes are high, as a heavy defeat for the Wallabies could impact the future of Lions tours to Australia.