“Absolutely Disgraceful” – Fans Fume Over Andy Farrell’s Lions XV Omission
Rugby NewsThursday, 17 July 2025 at 07:23
at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.
Andy Farrell has named his first British & Irish Lions Test XV for the opening clash in Brisbane — and the fans all seem to be singing the same tune: “What on earth is going on?”
The team is making history with an unprecedented selection in the midfield, featuring an all-Scottish fly-half and centre trio for the first time ever in Lions Test rugby. Outside of that, the lineup is heavily dominated by two nations, while one traditional powerhouse is completely missing from the squad.
RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.
The biggest talking point? The omission of a player who many believed had played himself straight into the Test 23. His absence has sparked a wave of frustration across social media, with supporters questioning the logic behind the selections.
The back row sees a fierce competition, but the decision to pick one player over another—despite the latter’s outstanding form throughout the tour—has caused uproar among fans.
Some fans aren’t holding back:
- “No Morgan?! What more could he have done?”
- “Not even on the bench—this is a joke!”
- “Where’s Morgan, Pollock, Chessum? The selection reeks of bias.”
- “Morgan’s in the form of his life and Farrell literally said ‘he can play wherever he wants’… then doesn’t pick him!”
- “How does Curry get in off the back of this tour? Shocking.”
- “Beirne starting ahead of Chessum? This squad feels like it’s based on past reputation, not current form.”
- “Absolutely disgraceful. Morgan’s been the best back row all tour.”
So who’s in? The midfield trio making history are Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones, all Scottish. The team otherwise features a majority of Irish and English players, with the Welsh completely absent—the first time since 1896 there’s been no Welshman in a Lions Test squad against the southern giants.
The back row spot has gone to Tom Curry, edging out Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier.
This controversial squad leaves fans wondering if Farrell’s gamble will pay off or backfire spectacularly.
Other notable names to miss out are Owen Farrell and Henry Pollock.
CONFIRMED Lions team to play Australia:
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #881
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints/England) #858
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #878
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #863
11. James Lowe (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #870
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby/Scotland) #835
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #879
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/England) #859
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #873
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #818
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens/England) (C) #825
5. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #871
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/Ireland) #838
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks/England) #853
8. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #839
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #864
17. Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #876
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby/England) #877
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers/England) #875
20. Ben Earl (Saracens/England) #857
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England) #860
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855
23. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #837
EDITORS PICKS:
- Leaked Lions XV: Henry Pollock misses out entirely as Test squad revealed
- Prediction: the 2029 British & Irish Lions Squad
- 16 players released from Lions matchday squad this weekend ahead of first test
- “Controversial” – Six Nations deliver verdict on Springboks joining tournament as seventh team
- Famously bald England rugby star gets ‘hair transplant’ aged 45
Hated’ Rugby List
Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn’t mean every player is a fan favourite.
In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition — whether it’s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being
toodamn good.
With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.
A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you
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#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.
That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.
RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)
Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.
Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.
RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.
Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.
RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)
Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.
He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.
RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)
Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.
He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.
RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking
The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.
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.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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