Picking a ridiculously early 2025 British & Irish Lions XV - Ruck

Picking a ridiculously early 2025 British & Irish Lions XV

We’re getting sick of Lions team predictions for this summer, so we’ve selected a ridiculously early 2025 British & Irish Lions XV.

It is challenging enough to make a short-range forecast — as any meteorologist will surely agree — let alone make a prediction about how events will unfold some four years down the line.

But, nevertheless, RUCK have given it a go anyway.

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.

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