Legendary England coach Sir Clive Woodward, the mastermind behind the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, has unveiled his British & Irish Lions XV ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia.
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However, one big name is missing: Owen Farrell.
The Racing 92 playmaker, who happens to be the son of Lions head coach Andy Farrell, has been overlooked by Woodward despite his illustrious Lions history.
Owen Farrell: “Massive” ambition, but priorities lie in Paris
At 33, Farrell is focused on adapting to life in the French capital after his summer move to Racing 92, which ruled him out of England selection. Yet, the Lions remain a possibility, with players based overseas often earning selection.
“It’s a massive thing for any British player, but it’s a long way away,” said Farrell, who has featured in the past three Lions tours. “It’s not something I’m thinking about at all at the moment. I’m busy trying to settle in here and do my best for Racing.”
Andy Farrell: Following a precedent?
History suggests Owen Farrell could still feature. Finn Russell toured South Africa in 2021 as a Racing player, while Leigh Halfpenny, then at Toulon, made the 2017 trip to New Zealand.
However, despite Woodward including France-based England star Jack Willis, he has snubbed Owen Farrell from his selection.
Check out his selection below:
Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions team to face Australia
15 – Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
14 – Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
13 – Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
12 – Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
11 – Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
10 – Finn Russell (Scotland)
9 – Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
1 – Andrew Porter (Ireland)
2 – Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3 – Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
4 – Maro Itoje (England)
5 – Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
6 – Jack Willis (England)
7 – Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
8 – Caelan Doris (Ireland, captain)
Replacements: Dewi Lake (Wales), Ellis Genge (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Tomos Williams (Wales), Marcus Smith (England), James Lowe (Ireland).
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Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
