Sam Warburton Names His 2025 Lions XV – Six Englishmen included

Thursday, 13 March 2025 at 21:55

byRugby Rucker

The countdown to the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia has begun, and many expect a strong Irish contingent in the squad, especially with Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, at the helm.

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But former Wales captain Sam Warburton has thrown in some surprises with his squad prediction for The Times last year.

Warburton Backs More English Players Over Irish

Warburton has made waves by selecting more English players than Irish in his Lions lineup—a move that has sparked debate. Most notably, he left out Ireland’s star back-rower, Caelan Doris, who many thought was a shoo-in, with Alex Goode even backing Doris as captain.

Caelan Doris Misses Out: "Ben Earl is World-Class"

Explaining his decision, Warburton shared his thoughts on the No. 8 selection. “It was a tight one at No. 8, because I think you’ve got three great eights at the minute. Wainwright played extremely well in the summer. Caelan Doris is obviously Ireland’s captain, but I’ve gone for Ben Earl,” Warburton wrote in The Times.

“He is simply world-class, and because Chessum is at six, you don’t have to worry about him and Morgan not being particularly tall men.”

Keenan Snubbed for Kinghorn at Fullback

In another bold move, Warburton chose Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn over Ireland’s Hugo Keenan at fullback. "I like Hugo Keenan, but I just think Kinghorn has gone to another level at Toulouse this year," Warburton explained, adding that it was a “curveball” selection.

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Sam Warburton's British & Irish Lions Starting XV in 2025

15. Blair Kinghorn

14. Tommy Freeman

11. Duhan van der Merwe

13. Robbie Henshaw

12. Sione Tuipulotu

10. Marcus Smith

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Ellis Genge

2. Dan Sheehan

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. George Martin

5. Joe McCarthy

6. Ollie Chessum

7. Jac Morgan

8. Ben Earl

Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start

Forwards

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2

A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10

One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13

Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.

4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5

The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.

5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2

A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.

6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3

The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.

7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9

England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.

8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4

One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.

Backs

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 1/3

Originally from New Zealand, Gibson-Park has revolutionized Ireland’s attack with his fast tempo and crisp distribution. His quick decision-making will be key in Australia.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/4

A mercurial fly-half known for his creativity, pinpoint kicking, and unpredictable attacking play, Russell is the X-factor the Lions will need to unlock Australia’s defence.

11. James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8

A powerful winger with a cannon of a left boot, Lowe has been a game-changer for Ireland, providing pace, physicality, and superb finishing ability.

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5

One of the most destructive centres in world rugby, Aki blends power with slick handling and defensive solidity. His recent form makes him a nailed-on Lions starter.

13. Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/2

A classy centre with a sharp rugby brain, Jones is known for his attacking lines, pace, and ability to break defences. He has returned to top form for Scotland.

14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16

A giant winger with terrifying pace and strength, Van der Merwe has been a try-scoring machine for Scotland and was one of the stars of the 2021 Lions tour.

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5

One of the most consistent full-backs in world rugby, Keenan is rock solid under the high ball, defensively sound, and a dangerous attacking threat.

This projection underscores Ireland's strong presence, with ten players expected to start, reflecting their recent dominance in international rugby. Scotland contributes three players, notably in key backline positions, while England's representation is limited to Maro Itoje in the forwards.

The selection process for the Lions is always a topic of intense debate, influenced by players' form, fitness, and performances in the lead-up to the tour. As the 2025 tour approaches, these odds may shift, especially with upcoming international fixtures and domestic competitions providing players with opportunities to stake their claims.

Note: The odds presented are based on current bookmaker predictions and are subject to change as the tour date nears.

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