Warren Gatland names his eight definite picks for the 2025 Lions, including two England stars

Tuesday, 08 October 2024 at 12:23

byRugby Rucker

Warren Gatland has identified eight players he believes are certain to make the British and Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour to Australia.

, Gatland provided insight into why these players stand out from each of the four home nations.

The Telegraph

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Read Gatland's full article by clicking here.

Ireland

Joe McCarthy

Gatland praised McCarthy’s rapid rise on the international stage, calling him a key figure for Ireland:
"I have been hugely impressed by the way he has burst on to the international scene. He is a big powerful man and his carrying gets you across the gain line and that front-foot ball.

"Even though Ireland have got some experienced second rowers, he is probably the first name on the team sheet at the moment."

At 23, McCarthy’s physicality and dynamic play have made him an invaluable asset in the Irish pack, especially in a position with stiff competition.

Caelan Doris

Known for his work rate and ball-carrying ability, Doris has cemented his place as a leader in the Irish back row. Gatland highlighted his skill and toughness:

"There are obviously a lot of players in contention from Ireland but he is the other outstanding one. He runs some good lines; he carries well and is clearly someone who Andy Farrell admires greatly. He is tough too and respected by his peers and team-mates."

Doris, just 26, has earned recognition for his rugby intelligence and consistency, becoming a focal point in Ireland's dominance in recent years.

Sam Underhill of England is tackled by Cian Healy of Ireland and Caelan Doris of Ireland during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Wales

Dewi Lake
Gatland, who has coached Lake with the Welsh national team, spoke highly of the hooker's potential and leadership:

"I know he is a player that Andy would love. He is tough and incredibly competitive, wants to do well and is a quality man. Andy would love his personality and attributes. He is a big man, with a physical edge, aggression and athleticism and can develop into a world-class hooker. But even at 25 he is showing exceptional leadership skills and is one of the players I am looking to build my squad around, and for him to drive standards and expectations as well."

At 25, Lake has not only impressed with his aggressive play but also with his leadership qualities, making him a cornerstone for the future of Welsh rugby.

Matthew Southcombe

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Dewi Lake is just built for Test rugby. 📷: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency.

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Dafydd Jenkins

Though currently sidelined with injury, Jenkins has already left a strong impression on Gatland:

Daf is cut from the same cloth as Dewi. Unfortunately, he is injured at the moment but should be back around Christmas time. When he was on tour with us in Australia he had a knee that kept dislocating and a rotator cuff injury but he never complained and got on with it."

At 21, Jenkins has shown great resilience and determination, traits that Gatland values highly, and his return to fitness will be eagerly anticipated by Welsh fans.

England

Marcus Smith
Smith’s dynamic flair and emotional passion have caught Gatland's eye:

"He is thriving having had a run of games with England too. I sometimes get criticised for being a bit stoic and not showing emotion but that is not who I am. I love seeing players who are different, and players who celebrate. I love seeing the emotion Marcus puts into his game when he scores tries, or when he makes a pass and his team scores a try."

Smith, 25, has continued to grow as a playmaker for England, dazzling with his creativity and exciting style of play. He has become a fan favourite for club and country his fearless approach to the game.

Marcus Smith of England during the England World Cup Squad Announcement at Twickenham Stadium, London on Monday 7th August 2023 (Photo: George Beck/PPAUK)

George Furbank

Another Englishman Gatland admires is somewhat surprisingly Northampton captain Furbank, who has had a breakout year in the full-back role:

"A player I really admire. As an attacking threat he is quick, he has got great footwork, he can open teams up but he is also tough as well. You should not underestimate him in terms of his size and power. He has been a revelation for England this year. Freddie Steward can bring a different set of skills at full-back but George has an X-factor about him. You have seen that in the tries he has scored and the breaks he has made for Northampton. He has a huge six months ahead of him."

Furbank, 27, has made a case for his versatility and attacking prowess, challenging the established hierarchy in the England squad.

George Furbank of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Northampton Saints and Gloucester Rugby at Franklins Gardens Stadium on11 May. Photo: Richard Bierton/PPAUK

Scotland

Sione Tuipulotu

Gatland has been particularly impressed with Tuipulotu’s development in the midfield, noting his diverse skill set:

"He has probably been one of the most improved players in the past three years. From midfield he has got great variations. It is not just about the bish-bash in terms of carrying. There are a lot of attributes to admire about him. He can get you on the front foot with his footwork and has a nice passing and offloading game."

At 27, Tuipulotu’s combination of physicality and finesse has helped transform Scotland’s backline into a more formidable attacking force.

Duhan van der Merwe

Van der Merwe’s sheer physicality and ability to change a game have made him a standout for Gatland:

"He has got real X-factor. A big man who is so important for Scotland. I have watched him a couple of times for Edinburgh and he was the stand-out player, the one man who could make a real difference."

At 28, Van der Merwe’s power and explosiveness on the wing make him one of Scotland’s most potent weapons, a player capable of breaking through the toughest defences.

Duhan van der Merwe of Scotland Rugby goes over for a try and celebrates during the Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and Scotland at Principality Stadium on February 3, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

England