Sir Clive Woodward picks Lions XV to 'smash Australia', big names miss out

Friday, 13 June 2025 at 14:20

byRugby Rucker

They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

Sir Clive Woodward isn’t holding back. The former England coach has named his Lions squad with one goal:
smash Australia.

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But not everyone expected to make the cut did — and some big names are missing out.

Russell: The Scot Leading the Lions Charge

England’s strong Six Nations finish has pushed Steve Borthwick’s players into Lions contention, but Woodward says it’s a Scot who should be the guiding light for Andy Farrell’s side this summer.

“For me, it is a Scot who should be the guiding light for Andy Farrell’s side in Australia this summer. Finn Russell is still the right man to lead the Lions from No 10.”

Jack Willis: The English Back-Row Phantom

Willis wasn’t even selected for the Six Nations — and officially, he can’t play international rugby because of his contract with Toulouse. Woodward calls this “ridiculous.”

“There is one Englishman Farrell must pick in that area of the field and it’s one who didn’t play a minute of the Six Nations. Jack Willis is ineligible for international rugby because of his club employment with Toulouse. As I’ve always maintained, that is ridiculous.”

Willis’s form in France has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Pick the Best — Even If They’re Late

Woodward’s advice is simple:

“But as an international coach, your remit is to pick the best available players. Both Willis and Kinghorn are in my Test team. To me, it doesn’t matter if they are absent for the first few weeks. Their undoubted quality means they have to be in the side, fitness permitting.”

Woodward’s Lions Test XV: The Battle Plan

Here’s the full Test team Clive Woodward believes will take Australia down:

Full-back: Blair Kinghorn
Wings/Centres: Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe
Half-backs: Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park
Front row: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Will Stuart
Locks: Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne
Back row: Jack Willis, Tom Curry, Caelan Doris (captain)

Final Word: Lions Need Quality, No Excuses

Woodward’s bottom line to Farrell? Pick the best players, no matter the politics or timing.

The Lions are going to need every bit of quality to smash Australia this summer.

The England players WAGs cheering on British & Irish Lions this summer

As the British & Irish Lions gear up for an action-packed summer tour, all eyes won’t just be on the pitch — the stands will be just as captivating.

The England players' WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are preparing to show their unwavering support, bringing glamour, style, and plenty of team spirit along for the ride.

From sun-soaked selfies to heartfelt moments of encouragement, expect these supportive partners to be a vibrant presence throughout the Lions' campaign.

Here's a closer look at the women who’ll be roaring loudest from the sidelines this summer.

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.

The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)

Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.