Sam Warburton names his 2025 Lions squad - selects 14 England players

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 at 11:48

byRugby Rucker

Former Lions skipper Sam Warburton has named his early 40-man squad for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour — and there are a few eyebrow-raising calls from the Welsh legend.

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Perhaps the biggest headline-grabber is his selection of England speedster Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, despite the fact the Exeter flyer hasn’t played a minute of rugby since December due to injury.

“For me, when fit, Feyi-Waboso is the best winger of the lot,” Warburton wrote in
The Times
. “Even if he cannot make the very start of the tour, I would take that gamble.”

Warburton also had a tough time picking his skipper, but it came down to a familiar face from England and a standout Irishman.

“My captain? Apologies, but I have said this before, and will say it again: I do not mind if either England’s Maro Itoje or Caelan Doris is captain,” Warburton admitted. “Yes, I’m sitting on the fence, but either will do a fantastic job.”

The ex-flanker revealed the new captain will be invited to a special tradition started in 2017 — a private dinner for all living Lions skippers. Heartbreakingly, Phil Bennett, who attended the last one, has since passed away.

Read the full column from Sam Warburton here.

? Sam Warburton's 2025 Lions Squad: The England Contingent

? Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, Wing)

A breakout star before injury cut his season short, the Cardiff-born flyer qualifies for England through residency. Electric pace, dazzling footwork, and power in contact make him a game-changer. Warburton calls him “the best winger of the lot” — high praise indeed.

? Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, Wing)

The versatile back can slot in at fullback or wing, boasting serious size, speed, and composure. Freeman is a constant threat with ball in hand and has grown into a reliable option under Steve Borthwick.

? Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, Fly-half)

The former Worcester Warrior is one of the brightest 10s in the Premiership. Calm under pressure and a metronomic goal-kicker, Smith has earned rave reviews for steering Saints to the top of the table.

? Marcus Smith (Harlequins, Fly-half)

The most mercurial of England's playmakers. Smith has footwork, flair, and vision to unlock defences but can divide opinion with his risk-taking. Warburton sees the value in that magic.

⚡ Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, Scrum-half)

A sharp operator with a lightning pass and sniping runs. Mitchell thrives in quick ball scenarios and adds serious tempo to any attack — a modern scrum-half through and through.

? Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, Prop)

Nicknamed “The Baby Rhino” for good reason. Genge brings raw power, aggression, and leadership. A fan favourite and a core figure in England's forward pack.

? Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, Prop)

A dependable tighthead with massive scrummaging ability. Stuart’s work around the park often goes unnoticed, but he’s a cornerstone of England’s front row depth.

? Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, Hooker)

After injury setbacks, LCD is roaring back. Explosive, confrontational, and dynamic in the loose — if he stays fit, he’s a serious Lions contender.

? Maro Itoje (Saracens, Lock)

One of the modern greats. Itoje’s athleticism, lineout dominance, and disruptive presence at the breakdown make him a Lions lynchpin. Warburton even named him potential captain material.

? George Martin (Leicester Tigers, Lock)

Still just 23, but built like a veteran enforcer. Martin is physical, fearless, and hits like a freight train. Think of him as the Lions' future Alun Wyn Jones.

?️ Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, Lock)

Athletic, rangy, and relentless. Chessum covers lock and blindside flanker, offering a dynamic engine room option with excellent work rate.

? Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)

Though injuries have sidelined him recently, Curry remains one of the world's best opensides when fit. Relentless at the breakdown and rarely has an off day.

? Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)

Tom’s twin and an underrated star in his own right. Tough as nails, defensively sound, and a breakdown menace — he’s forced his way into this elite group.

⚡ Ben Earl (Saracens, Back row)

England’s best player in 2023, Earl brings explosiveness, agility, and relentless energy from the back row. He’s a line-break machine and defensive workhorse.

? Sam Warburton’s 40-man Lions squad for 2025

Fullbacks:
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Murray (Scotland)

Wingers:
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

Centres:
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Fly-halves:
Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)

Scrum-halves:
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)

Props:
Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Hookers:
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Dewi Lake (Wales)

Locks:
Maro Itoje (England), George Martin (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland)

Back rowers:
Tom Curry (England), Ben Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

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