Will Greenwood makes crazy omissions from his 2025 British & Irish Lions squad

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Greenwood’s selections blend experience, physicality, and flair, ensuring the Lions have the firepower to challenge the Wallabies.

Below, we break down his squad by position, highlighting his key insights on each selection.

You can now use to see if you can pick a better squad.

Greenwood has selected a dynamic group of props, focusing on power, mobility, and technical ability. Ellis Genge is tipped to be a major figure, with Greenwood stating, "I just feel as though Genge could be a central character of a strong Lions narrative." Andrew Porter is hailed as "hugely consistent" and one of the best looseheads in the game. 

Bevan Rodd earns his place as "a perfect loosehead prop for a tour to Australia." Pierre Schoeman has been instrumental for Scotland, while Zander Fagerson is regarded as "perhaps the best footballer of all these props." Greenwood sees Tadhg Furlong as a game-changer, calling him "a mark of class," and Will Stuart is an underrated option who has impressed "quietly" for some time.

Props selected: Ellis Genge, Andrew Porter, Bevan Rodd, Pierre Schoeman, Zander Fagerson, Tadhg Furlong, Will Stuart.

Greenwood values aggression and reliability in his hooker selections. Ewan Ashman is praised for his fearless approach, with Greenwood stating, "I like Ashman’s style, his aggression." Ronan Kelleher may have played second fiddle to Dan Sheehan, but Greenwood insists, "He has still featured in some huge wins for Leinster and Ireland." Dan Sheehan is simply "so integral to Ireland becoming the best team in the world."

Hookers selected: Ewan Ashman, Ronan Kelleher, Dan Sheehan.

Greenwood’s locks bring a mix of experience, brute force, and tactical nous. Tadhg Beirne remains a crucial player, as Greenwood notes, "A year ago, he would have been the first name on the Test teamsheet." Scott Cummings is described as "consistently excellent," despite flying under the radar. Maro Itoje is a near-guaranteed selection, with Greenwood stating, "You cannot downplay the importance of that experience." 

Joe McCarthy is included for his sheer size, with Greenwood observing, "Every now and then, you just need a big lump." George Martin is valued for his unseen work, as Greenwood says, "To balance a pack, you need half of your forwards doing things that do not catch the eye."

Second rows selected: Tadhg Beirne, Scott Cummings, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, George Martin.

Greenwood prioritises versatility and relentless work rate in his back-row picks. Rory Darge earns comparisons to a former England star, with Greenwood noting, "There is a bit of Lewis Moody about Darge." Caelan Doris is seen as a leader, with Greenwood stating, "He just reminds me of Kieran Read… he would be my captain, too." 

Ben Earl sneaks in, but Greenwood warns, "He has just squeaked into my squad and he will need a good Six Nations to make it." Matt Fagerson has the instincts Greenwood loves, saying, "I have always liked a back-rower to have a gravitational pull towards the ball." Josh van der Flier is an all-rounder, as Greenwood explains, "I’m not sure what his USP is… but he’s eight out of 10 at everything." Finally, Jack Willis makes the cut for excelling in France, with Greenwood stating, "He is playing in the best team in the world, Toulouse, and more than holding his own."

Back rows selected: Rory Darge, Caelan Doris, Ben Earl, Matt Fagerson, Josh van der Flier, Jack Willis.

A mix of tempo-setters and game-changers make up Greenwood’s scrum-half picks. Jamison Gibson-Park leads the pack but faces competition, as Greenwood says, "I think he will come under pressure from Tomos Williams, but has been utterly sensational for three years." 

Alex Mitchell is crucial for England, with Greenwood noting, "You can see what England are like when he is not playing and realise he must be quite good." Tomos Williams is Greenwood’s only Welsh pick, and he backs him to push for a Test spot, stating, "This kid could push for a Test jersey."

Scrum-halves selected: Jamison Gibson-Park, Alex Mitchell, Tomos Williams.

There is no doubt about Greenwood’s top choice at 10. Finn Russell is, in his words, "just absolutely miles ahead of everyone." Fin Smith earns a place as a key squad player, with Greenwood stating, "His style of play is perfect for a Lions tour."

Meanwhile, Marcus Smith makes the squad for his versatility, with Greenwood saying, "He might be at 10, he might be at 15. Either way, he has got to be on the plane."

Fly-halves selected: Finn Russell, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith.

Greenwood prioritises power and playmaking ability in his midfield. Robbie Henshaw is a physical presence, with Greenwood stating, "Your No 12s have to own gain-lines." 

Huw Jones is praised for his intelligent running, with Greenwood calling him "the best angle runner out there." Garry Ringrose is a world-class option when fit, as Greenwood says, "I hope he stays fit." Sione Tuipulotu is a player fans want back, with Greenwood urging, "Every fan with a heart will hope he gets fit again."

Centres selected: Robbie Henshaw, Huw Jones, Garry Ringrose, Sione Tuipulotu.

Greenwood has opted for a mix of speed, creativity, and raw power in his back-three selections. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is a standout talent, with Greenwood noting, "He has scored tries against the All Blacks in three consecutive Tests." 

George Furbank is described as a stylish player, with Greenwood stating, "Would have looked good on a 1974 tour, will look good on a 2025 tour." Darcy Graham is compared to some of the world’s most elusive players, with Greenwood calling him "my Gabin Villière, my Cheslin Kolbe." Blair Kinghorn is excelling in France, with Greenwood stating, "Like Willis, he is playing rugby from another planet with Toulouse." 

Duhan van der Merwe is a proven Test finisher, with Greenwood describing him as "a Test-match animal."

Back-three selected: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank, Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe.

Greenwood selects Gabriel Ibitoye as his wildcard pick, admitting, "It is tough picking a wildcard… Ibitoye simply does things that nobody else in this squad does."

Wildcard selected: Gabriel Ibitoye.

Greenwood’s squad is heavily weighted towards Ireland, Scotland, and England, with just one Welsh player making the cut.

With a mix of proven internationals, exciting newcomers, and a few surprise selections, Greenwood’s squad offers a fascinating insight into how the Lions could shape up for their 2025 tour to Australia.

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