Former Fiji boss slams Sir Clive Woodward after he steps down as ITV pundit

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In an exclusive statement to The Times, Woodward revealed his decision, stating, "It has been a fantastic time, but I now want to concentrate on other things."

Despite ITV expressing disappointment, he emphasised his desire to exit on a high note post the Rugby World Cup.

Woodward assured fans he would still be present at Twickenham, but this time as a spectator and fervent supporter.

Amidst the news, former Fiji head coach and current World Rugby high-performance pathways manager, Simon Raiwalui, delivered a cutting remark, "The rugby public instantly got smarter!"

Social media erupted with delight, with one person humorously recounting, "I just fell to my knees in Tesco."

Another individual shared a witty observation, connecting Woodward's departure to their Christmas presents, stating, "I now see why I didn’t get any Xmas presents. All my wishes pushed to 2024."

Optimism abounds that ITV's rugby coverage will benefit from Woodward's absence, with Squidge Rugby, an analyst, expressing relief, "A single tear just rolled down my cheek. The reign of terror is over."

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.

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)

7. Jamie George (England and Saracens)

8. Dan Sheehan (Ireland and Leinster)

9. Ryan Elias (Scarlets and Wales)

10. Maro Itoje (England and Saracens)

11. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland and Munster)

12. James Ryan (Ireland and Leinster)

13. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland and Edinburgh)

14. Daffyd Jenkins (Wales and Exeter Chiefs)

15. Ollie Chessum (England and Leicester Tigers)

16. Hamish Watson (Scotland and Edinburgh)

17. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland and Munster)

18. Josh Van Der Flier (Ireland and Leinster)

19. Jac Morgan (Wales and Ospreys)

20. Jack Dempsey (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

21. Caelan Doris (Ireland and Leinster)

22. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland and Edinburgh)

23. Ben Earl (England and Saracens)

24. Conor Murray (Ireland and Munster)

25. Alex Mitchell (England and Northampton Saints)

26. Ali Price (Scotland and Edinburgh)

27. Owen Farrell (England and Saracens)

28. Finn Russell (Scotland and Bath Rugby)

29. Marcus Smith (England and Harlequins)

30. Bundee Aki (Ireland and Connacht)

31. Manu Tuilagi (England and Sale Sharks)

32. Garry Ringrose (Ireland and Leinster)

33. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland and Leinster)

34. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)

35. Hugo Keenan (Ireland and Leinster)

36. Darcy Graham (Scotland and Edinburgh)

37. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales and Gloucester Rugby)

38. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland and Edinburgh)

39. James Lowe (Ireland and Leinster)

40. Freddie Steward (England and Leicester Tigers)