British & Irish Lions icon Willie John McBride has hit out at Andy Farrell’s squad selection for the 2025 tour to Australia, questioning the inclusion of players not born in Britain or Ireland.
The 84-year-old Irish legend, who famously captained the unbeaten 1974 Lions in South Africa, told
Rapport that the modern game has strayed far from the traditions he once knew.
“One thing that does bother me is that eight members of the squad are not born in Britain or Ireland,” he said.
“That’s how things have changed over the past 60 years. In my day, the team consisted only of native players.”
[elementor-template id="208937"]
Farrell facing the heat – but McBride backs the boss
While Farrell’s selection has sparked controversy—not least for the heavy Irish representation—McBride has no issue with the head coach backing his own.
“The Lions is about selecting the best players available, and Ireland have cemented themselves as the leading union over the past few years,” said McBride.
“Farrell is a shrewd character and has clearly done his homework. He knows his players and they are absolutely loyal to him.”
Inside Centre Debate Sparks Backlash
When RUCK asked the simple question – “Who should start at inside centre for the Lions?” – the replies were unexpectedly fierce.
Both suggested options were foreign-born, and that didn’t sit well with a vocal minority of traditionalists.
One furious fan raged:
“How’s about finding British Born Players to play for the British Lions?”
Another fumed:
“Neither are British,” keeping their argument short and salty.
Pot, Kettle, Pacific?
Another supporter took a swing at the hypocrisy, writing:
“I remember years back when UK fans mocked NZ for their ‘Pacific-picked’ players. Now look – there’s always a Kiwi, Fijian, Samoan or Tongan in every European team!”
Not Everyone’s Having It
But not all fans agreed with the outrage. One passionate rugby lover clapped back:
“Really ridiculous how people have an issue with foreign people who have the right to play for another nation.
They are legally eligible! It’s no different to someone becoming a citizen of another country.
This makes for better, more competitive rugby – and that’s what we want, right?
If you can’t handle it, go support football instead.”
RUCK’s Take? No Issue Here
Let’s be clear – RUCK doesn’t have a problem with it. If a player is eligible and has earned their spot through form, commitment, and quality performances, we’re all for them pulling on the red jersey.
The game has changed. So has the world. Rugby is better when it’s inclusive, competitive, and stacked with world-class talent – wherever they were born.
So, Who’s “Foreign-Born” Anyway?
In total, 8 of Farrell’s 38-man squad – 21% – were born overseas. Here’s the breakdown:
The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
[elementor-template id="208937"]
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
EDITORS PICKS:
