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.
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.
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