Johnny Sexton named his Lions No.10 – and snubs Finn Russell

Monday, 05 May 2025 at 09:06

byRugby Rucker

Rugby fans are just now rediscovering an explosive interview from back in October, where Johnny Sexton not only revealed who
he’d pick as the British & Irish Lions’ fly-half for the 2025 tour—but also cheekily confessed to trying to sneak his own way onto the plane to Australia.

Yes, really.

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“Would you consider me?” – Sexton’s message to Andy Farrell

The former Ireland captain didn’t hold back when discussing his initial exclusion from the coaching group. Sexton admitted to The Times that being left out of the original setup "really hurt"—so much so, he messaged Lions boss Andy Farrell about making a sensational comeback.

“When Andy [Farrell] got the job, I texted him and said, ‘If I play for my club, would you consider me?’ He just wrote back, ‘No.’ So I’d say he’s glad to see the back of having to deal with me every day.”

A year later, Sexton was announced as the Lions’ kicking coach anyway—so, not a bad consolation prize.

Who wears 10 in 2025? Sexton’s shock pick

Now officially retired at 39, Sexton gave his thoughts on who should lead the Lions from fly-half when they take on the Wallabies.

His answer? No hesitation.

“I’d pick Owen Farrell,” he said. “Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals. I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith—the flashy…”

But in classic Sexton fashion, he immediately walked that one back—at least when it came to Smith.

“Marcus is a generational talent”

Sexton was quick to clarify that while Smith looks flashy, there’s a lot more to the England playmaker.

“Marcus, I think, is a generational talent. I actually wouldn’t really include him [in the flashy bracket]. He looks flashy, but I think he manages the game really well,” Sexton explained. “I think he can light up a game. But for me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things.”

“If Owen Farrell were Irish…”

Farrell hasn’t played for England since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, choosing to step away from international rugby before signing with Racing 92 in France—a move that technically made him ineligible for England selection.

But that won’t affect his Lions chances. Dad and Lions head coach Andy Farrell confirmed: “We’ll consider everyone in regard to whether they will make a difference to the Lions touring party. That’s all that matters.”

And Sexton? He didn’t mince his words.

“If Owen Farrell were Irish, he’d be considered the greatest player that we’ve had. An amazing competitor,” Sexton said. “He’s one of the best team-mates I’ve ever had. One of the best players I’ve ever played with.

“It’s tough to see him not playing international rugby. He’s someone that should still be captaining England. I have nothing but admiration for him. When you know him as a person, you see the real Owen Farrell.”

Players who flopped in their final Lions audition

With the Champions and Challenge Cup semi-finals serving as the last big shop window before Andy Farrell starts sketching out his British & Irish Lions depth chart, a few hopefuls picked the worst possible time to go missing in action. Here are five contenders who flopped when it mattered most…

Sam Prendergast (Leinster/Ireland) – Lamb to the slaughter

Hailed by many as the next big thing in Irish rugby, Prendergast’s audition for Gatland turned into a horror show. Within eight minutes, he’d been caught napping for a turnover and then served up a gift-wrapped try for Northampton with a poor kick.

The Saints back row swarmed him all game, and while he did land a beauty of a pass to send Tommy O’Brien over, he was then embarrassingly burned on the outside by teenager Henry Pollock. Missed vital kicks too — including one that could’ve tied the game in the dying minutes. Harsh lesson on the big stage.

Hugo Keenan (Leinster/Ireland) – Mr. Reliable unravels

Normally so dependable at the back, Keenan chose the worst time to have a rare off-day. While he showed flashes going forward, it was his defence that let him down.

His fumble under a high ball handed Tommy Freeman a third try on a silver platter. For a man pencilled in for a Lions shirt, this was an uncharacteristic — and untimely — dip.

Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Ireland) – Big man, big letdown

The hype train around McCarthy has been building all season, but he failed to get out of first gear here.

He lacked his usual bite in the contact area and was far too passive in defence, slipping off tackles and looking off the pace. If he wanted to throw his name into the Lions mix, this did the opposite.

Darcy Graham (Edinburgh/Scotland) – Starved and stifled

Always electric, always dangerous — but this just wasn’t his day. Graham was constantly hunting for work but saw precious little quality ball.

His defensive work was solid, notably a try-saving tackle on Will Muir, but this was billed as a chance to dazzle. Sadly, he never got the chance to ignite.

Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh/Scotland) – Fire without the fury

No shortage of aggression from the Edinburgh skipper — he was in the thick of multiple scraps, including a meaty confrontation with Sam Underhill.

But fire alone won’t get you a Lions jersey. Ritchie couldn’t influence the breakdown battle and never truly stamped his authority on the contest. For someone once seen as a frontrunner, his stock is sliding.

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