Maro Itoje (England, captain) Undisputed as a leader and exceptional player, Itoje’s consistency positions him as a natural choice for captaincy in the 2025 squad. “As things stand, there is simply no one else who could captain this side,” Greenwood emphasises.
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Adam Beard (Wales) Despite initial skepticism, Beard’s stellar performances validate his selection, hinting at a bright future in the Lions jersey. “Many were left scratching their heads when he was called up,” Greenwood acknowledges.
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland) Ritchie’s all-around skills, including lineout prowess and relentless work rate, establish him as a vital asset for Scotland and potential Lions success. “He is a pest at the breakdown, too,” Greenwood adds.
Tom Curry (England) In the absence of Jack Willis, Curry’s resilience and skill set make him a compelling choice for the back row, offering stability and dynamism. “After such a serious injury, he has to return and get a couple of seasons under his belt before he can come into realistic consideration,” Greenwood assesses.
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Caelan Doris (Ireland) Acknowledging the tough selection process, Doris emerges as a standout choice for the No. 8 position, embodying the talent pool’s depth across the UK and Ireland. “It was a tough choice,” Greenwood admits, “but Doris offers immense potential.”
Replacements:
16. Ewan Ashman (Scotland)
Bevan Rodd (England)
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Ryan Baird (Ireland)
James Botham (Wales)
Raffi Quirke (England/Ireland)
Adam Hastings (Scotland)
Ioan Lloyd (Wales)
Head Coach: Gregor Townsend Assistant Coaches: Ronan O’Gara and Steve Borthwick