This is how we predict the 2025 British & Irish Lions XV might play out…
Speculation is already mounting about whether Eddie Jones will be Lions coach for the first time when they face Australia in a series that's expected to break new ground.
The
Telegraph
revealed that the 2025 tour could incorporate a fourth Test against Argentina.
Rather than travel to Argentina, however, the Lions would face Los Pumas on Australian soil.
BACK-THREE
Fullback. Freddie Steward- England: A risky pick. However, the fact Tigers have been rotating him into their side – and even gave him his competitive debut when he was still at Norwich School – lets you know they realise what a special talent they have on their hands, though.
Winger. Adam Radwan - England: He is lightning quick and knows how to finish, a player who can provide a cutting edge. Looks like he could be the 'next Jonny May' for England and potentially the Lions in the future.
Winger. Louis Rees-Zammit - Wales: You cannot put a price on outright pace. Rees-Zammit has it in abundance, and, combined with his finishing ability, you begin to understand why the hype surrounding him has been so intense. An exciting talent with countless caps and tries in him.
CENTRES:
Outside-centre. Garry Ringrose - Ireland: The powerhouse, who made his debut for Ireland in 2016, has enjoyed a remarkably consistent season for both club and country. He will be one of the more experienced players in the XV.
Inside-centre. Cameron Redpath - Scotland: Jones selected the Narbonne-born son of Scottish scrum-half Bryan Redpath for England’s 2018 summer tour to South Africa, but an ACL injury and surgery blocked the Sale man’s inclusion. However, he's now playing for Scotland, playing a starring role as they beat England in their 2021 Six Nations opener.
HALFBACKS:
Fly-half. Marcus Smith - England: He never looks flustered on the ball, which is the hallmark of a great player and he has been in and around the England squad without yet being capped. But one to watch, certainly A future Lion? Definitely has a chance.
Scrum-half, Jamie Robie - Scotland: Despite his young age, the Scot has serious potential and could really light up the international scene sooner rather than later. He is the first Scottish player since Blair Kinghorn to bypass the academy system and earn a pro contract from schools level, which is amazing. A potential superstar.
FRONT-ROW:
Loosehead-prop. Ellis Genge - England: Every Lions team needs character, and the Bristol-born front-rower has that in abundance. He's a very good scrummager that only seems to be getting better.
Hooker. Alfie Barbeary - England: Has stolen the recent headlines, so if we're predicting right now than he has to be in our selection.
Tighthead-prop. Andrew Porter - Ireland: It’s a tight call, but maybe Porter’s rock-solid scrummaging just carries the day.
SECOND-ROW:
Lock. Maro Itoje - England (C): England’s monster in the loose and is arguably the first pick on the Lions team sheet. The complete player, his physicality around the park will be massive. Here, he'll become just the third player to captain the Lions twice.
Lock. James Ryan - Ireland: He is a colossus of a player who is solid in the set-piece and offers a great carrying option, too. He will surely be named as the next Ireland captain.
BACK-ROW:
Blindside-flanker. Tom Curry (England): Since making his England debut in June 2017, Curry has become a superb Test-level back-row. Indeed, the Sale Shark was one of the best players at the most recent World Cup and would be a more-than-worthy Lion once again in 2025.
Openside-flanker. Jack Willis (England): Voted 2020 player’s player of the year at the Rugby Players’ Association awards, Willis’ talents are no secret. He is arguably the best young talent in an England jersey and has already added two caps and one try to his resume. A future Lion for sure!
Number 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland): A strong, dynamic loose forward, Doris's ball-carrying, physicality and handling mark him out as a special talent. I would expect him to go on to win many Ireland and Lions caps.
EDITORS PICKS: