Jack Willis and Owen Farrell could return to international rugby in 2025

There had been speculation that the Lions coach might only select players based in the country they represent. However, Farrell was clear on the matter: “We’ll consider everyone if they can make a difference to the Lions touring party. That’s all that matters.”

When asked about his son Owen's move to Racing 92, Farrell simply said, “It’s his choice.”

He continued, “Of course. There are no promises; it’s a short career. You want to do things that excite you and make your family happy.

"It’s all about the memories you create, not just for yourself but for others as well. For some, the idea of dedicating yourself to one club is incredibly special.

"Owen has that at Saracens, but if things do change – and I don’t know whether they will or not – it’ll be for the right reasons.”

Scotland's Finn Russell has expressed a desire to play alongside England's Owen Farrell for the British & Irish Lions against Australia in 2025.

“I think we see the game differently, so there might be a bit of a clash, but I think we’re good enough mates to make it work and find some common ground,” Russell told the Daily Mail at a TNT Sports event.

“We’d have to strike a balance, but Farrell is a brilliant player, and I’d love to play with him. I don’t know if he’ll be there, or if I will be, but if we get the chance, I’d love to play with him—maybe even at Racing in a few years, who knows?"

eflecting on the future, Greenwood said, "The 2021 tour was captivating, but now it's time to focus on 2025 and the young talents who could shine in Australia."

Below, we revisit the team he selected after the 2021 tour.

Hugo Keenan (Ireland) Greenwood praises Keenan's potential, foreseeing growth in wisdom and composure over the next four years, establishing him as a premier European full-back. "I love Keenan," Greenwood remarks. "After another four years of Irish rugby, he will be wiser and more composed; the leading European full-back."

Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) Despite limited opportunities in South Africa, Greenwood sees Rees-Zammit's electric pace as a game-changing asset, honed through standout performances for Gloucester and Wales. "In the short periods he did feature, you could tell there was a star in the making," Greenwood notes.

Garry Ringrose (Ireland) Highlighted for his innate class and defensive prowess, Ringrose aims to seize his last chance at Lions selection in 2025 after enduring injuries and fluctuating form. "He is an inherent class act who defends astutely and runs devilish angles," Greenwood observes.

Cameron Redpath (Scotland) Expected to return to top form post-injury, Redpath's standout performances for Scotland mark him as a potential key figure in the midfield. "I expect him to return to that sort of form when he returns to full fitness," Greenwood predicts.

Adam Radwan (England) Greenwood champions Radwan's inclusion, citing his explosive debut season and undeniable talent, suggesting that age should not hinder selection if ability shines through. "If you’re good enough, you’re old enough," Greenwood asserts.

Marcus Smith (England) Despite limited exposure in South Africa, Smith's flair and leadership qualities, demonstrated in Harlequins' Premiership triumph, position him as a future elite fly-half. "By 2025, he could be one of the world’s best fly-halves," Greenwood predicts confidently.

Tomos Williams (Wales) Williams' commanding presence and playmaking abilities make his absence from the South Africa tour a surprise, fueling his determination to excel in 2025. "Missing out this year will spur him on tremendously," Greenwood believes.

Ellis Genge (England) Renowned for his unique threat with the ball in hand, Genge's absence from the Springbok series highlights his potential impact in future Lions campaigns. "With the ball in hands, Genge offers a threat that no other loosehead can match," Greenwood highlights.

Ronan Kelleher (Ireland) Emerging as a standout hooker, Kelleher's experience in South Africa primes him for a prominent role in the forthcoming Australian tour. "After tasting the Lions environment in South Africa, he will be desperate to return for the full three courses in Australia in four years’ time," Greenwood remarks.

Zander Fagerson (Scotland) Despite facing challenges in South Africa, Fagerson's strength and potential offer a promising foundation for future Lions success. "Fagerson looked strong early on before fading away," Greenwood reflects.

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."

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 Borthw