Telegraph picks 2025 British & Irish Lions squad with Marcus Smith missing out - Ruck

Telegraph picks 2025 British & Irish Lions squad with Marcus Smith missing out

After Andy Farrell’s appointment as British and Irish Lions coach back in January, the Telegraph speculated on the potential makeup of the touring party at that time.

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Farrell will take a break from his role with Ireland from December 2024 until the conclusion of the Lions tour.

The Lions have already released the nine-match schedule for the 2025 Tour to Australia including three Test matches against the Wallabies.

Two years out from the Tour, it’s been confirmed that the eagerly awaited Test clashes will take place on 19 July, 26 July and 2 August. The Lions will travel to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney respectively for the Test matches.

2025 Lions Tour to Australia (kick off times TBC)

  • 28 June, Lions vs Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)
  • 2 July, Lions vs Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
  • 5 July, Lions vs NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)
  • 9 July, Lions vs ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)
  • 12 July, Lions vs Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
  • 19 July, 1st Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
  • 22 July, Lions vs Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)
  • 26 July, 2nd Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)
  • 2 Aug, 3rd Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Sydney (Accor Stadium)

With the conclusion of the Six Nations, marked by England’s resurgence and Ireland’s triumphant performance once again, The Telegraph have revisited their squad predictions.

Check out who they selected below.

Props:

  • Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
  • Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
  • Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
  • Andrew Porter (Ireland)
  • Ellis Genge (England)
  • Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Ellis Genge, Captain of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Hookers:

  • Dewi Lake (Wales)
  • Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
  • Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)

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