"Not English" - Ben Youngs makes surprise choice as Lions captain for the 2025 tour of Australia

The Lions' extensive nine-match schedule has been officially confirmed, commencing on Wednesday, 2 July, with a showdown against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. This tour marks the Lions' return to Australia since their triumphant 2-1 series victory in 2013.

Of notable significance is the Lions' advantageous preparation period, touted as the lengthiest in recent memory. This extended preparation owes credit to the collaborative efforts of Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship. As part of their rigorous preparations, the Lions are slated to contest a warm-up fixture against a combined Australia and New Zealand ensemble in Adelaide.

Eager to secure their first tour triumph since overcoming the Wallabies a decade ago, the Lions are steadfast in their determination to make this upcoming campaign a resounding success. Their most recent tour saw them narrowly edged out 2-1 in South Africa, following a drawn series in New Zealand in 2017.

In a departure from convention, Youngs has opted for Irish number 8 Caelan Doris to lead the Lions on their journey Down Under, eschewing the selection of an English candidate for the prestigious role.

2 July: Queensland Reds (Brisbane)
5 July: Waratahs (Sydney)
9 July: Brumbies (Canberra)
12 July: Invitational Australia and New Zealand team (Adelaide)
19 July: First Test vs Australia (Brisbane)
22 July: Melbourne Rebels (Melbourne)
26 July: Second Test vs Australia (Melbourne)
2 August: Third Test vs Australia (Sydney)

PA: "When Dan Luger pulled out with an injury a strange call-up was made by Graham Henry in 2001. A career blighted by injury, only managing 14 caps for Ireland he must count himself lucky to have represented the Lions."

RUCK: The 30-year-old, who had only won six caps for Ireland at the time, was pencilled in on the Lions' standby list following some impressive Heineken Cup displays for Ulster. Can't really argue with what PA have said.

VERDICT: Justified

PA: "Choosing to select an enormous 44-man squad, Clive Woodward made several left field selections. None more so than a Sale Sharks hooker with only two caps for England. His technical and physical skills were not good enough for the Lions."

RUCK: He shouldn't have been near tat squad

VERDICT: Justified

"Whilst not selected for the Test team, the London Irish man must be considered one of the strangest call-ups in Lions history, joining the squad while on holiday with his family in 2013. He made no real impact to the trip but held up the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels."

PA: "Another bizarre call-up on the 2013 tour, the inside centre was brought in due to the glut of injuries sustained in the midfield. Now stranded in the international wilderness, one must assume he was fetched due to the convenience of him playing for England in Argentina."

RUCK: It may be easy to forget, but Twelvetrees was one of the most exciting talents in Europe when he was called up. He'd impressed for England in his four caps, and looked set for a bright international future. This pick feels more deemed on the use of hindsight.

VERDICT: Bit harsh

"First capped in 1984, he only represented England ten times, frequently criticised for his inability to convert his magnificent form for Bath onto the international stage. Ultimately after a torrid tour, losing six of 13 matches played, Barnes served as a perfect microcosm for its inadequate results in 1993, just not good enough."

RUCK: I wasn't born

Verdict: Up to you