Following the appointment of Andy Farrell to head coach of the British & Irish Lions, the latest odds have been released as to who will captain the side to Australia in 2025. The latest odds sees Leinster and Ireland lock James Ryan emerge as front-runner to the role, and lead the Lions out against the Wallabies.
Ryan is a considerable favourite due to his run as Leinster co-captain (alongside Garry Ringrose), and his involvement with Andy Farrell in the Ireland national team set-up. Leinster head coach Leo Cullen named Ryan and Ringrose as co-captains for the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup campaigns, following the retirement of long-serving Leinster stalwart Johnny Sexton.
Ryan leads the latest odds with a strong ‘evens’ backing, at 1/1 (or 50%). His fellow countryman Peter O’Mahony is also amongst the six player shortlist, yet comes in at a far more unfavourable 20/1 (4.76%). Andy Farrell’s son Owen is also amongst the six names, despite the Saracen taking time away from the England set-up for the foreseeable future. Owen Farrell is also rumoured to be moving to France, with Racing 92 the front runners to the fly half’s signature.
The latest odds for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour Captain – by BonusCodeBets
1/1 – James Ryan (50%)
4/1 – Maro Itoje (20%)
5/1 – Jac Morgan (16.7%)
10/1 -Jamie Ritchie (9.1%)
16/1 – Owen Farrell (5.9%)
20/1 – Peter O’Mahony (4.76%)
A spokesperson for BonusCodeBets said: “They say blood is thicker than water, yet Andy Farrell has proved on multiple occasions at the elite level of sport he is as ruthless as they come.
“Uncertainty around the future of his son at international and now club level has seen his price drift way out and allowed the likes of seasoned former Lions Ryan and Itoje into the captaincy fold, as well as Jac Morgan, the surprise package of 2023.
“If Farrell commits his future to Saracens and is playing for England in the next 12 months, we can expect to see his price shortened given he has featured on the Lions Tours of 2013, 2017 and 2021. However, dad Andy is no nonsense and will pick the best man for the job regardless of who his son is.”
“17 Months To Go” – Predicting Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions Squad to Tour Australia in 2025
However, following the news of Farrell’s appointment to the Lions, we’ve decided to dust off the old crystal ball and predict how the Lions will line up against the Wallabies. We have compiled a squad list of 42 players, which matches the same amount as the side which battled the Springboks behind closed doors in 2021. These picks are of course subject to injuries and contractural availabilities, as it is understood that only internationally eligible players can run out in the famous red jersey.
So, here are RUCK’s predictions for Andy Farrell’s 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, that will tour Australia from June of 2025.
PROPS
1. Ellis Genge (England and Bristol Bears)
2. Andrew Porter (Ireland and Leinster)
3. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland and Edinburgh)
4. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland and Leinster)
5. Zander Fagerson (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)
6. Finlay Bealham (Ireland and Connacht)
HOOKERS
7. Jamie George (England and Saracens)
8. Dan Sheehan (Ireland and Leinster)
9. Ryan Elias (Scarlets and Wales)