Brian O’Driscoll stuns fans with Lions captain pick – snubs Irish favourite
Rugby NewsTuesday, 22 April 2025 at 11:32
Brian O’Driscoll has revealed who he wants to see captain the British & Irish Lions for this summer’s blockbuster tour of Australia – and it’s not the man many expected.
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With Andy Farrell at the helm and a strong Irish contingent expected to dominate the squad, Caelan Doris had been widely tipped to take on the leadership role.
But former Lions skipper O’Driscoll, who led the side in 2005, has thrown his support behind
England powerhouse Maro Itoje instead.
"I thought Caelan would be..."
Speaking to The Times, the 46-year-old said:
“I thought Caelan would be [captain], but there’s a good chance it could be Itoje now. It’s unlikely to be Jac Morgan, as you can’t guarantee him a starting place because there are a lot of back-rowers.
I think Morgan will go, but Maro — I’ve been impressed with him. He’s quietly gone about his business. He’s got the presence and he’s going to start, which is important for your Test captain.”
The English edge
Despite Itoje’s lack of captaincy experience at Test level, O’Driscoll believes his proven quality and presence on the pitch give him the edge over his Irish rival.
“Maybe it takes a bit of pressure off other selections for Faz. If he did lean towards the tried and tested with Ireland players, maybe it gives a different complexion with an English captain. I think Maro would be a great captain.”
Down to two
While Farrell has hinted at a shortlist of “five or six” names, O’Driscoll isn’t buying it – he thinks it’s a straight shootout.
“I thought he’d go with someone he knew in Doris. He’s new to captaincy, and I know Maro is too, but he’s got experience and miles on the clock. It’s a close-run thing. It’ll certainly be between the two of them. Faz has spoken about five or six guys [on his captaincy shortlist] . . . no. It’ll be between two.”
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Antoine Dupont didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far
In a recent Q&A, Dupont shared the players he respects most, and the list includes some seriously tough competition. When asked about his toughest opponents, he didn’t miss a beat: “There are lots of great players around these days. Beauden Barrett, Faf de Klerk, Owen Farrell to name a few.”
Let’s dive into why these three legends have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them so hard to beat.
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Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks' Game-Changer
If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it’s Beauden Barrett. New Zealand’s speedster isn’t just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he’s running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.
With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett’s legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.
Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he’s there.
Faf de Klerk – South Africa’s Defensive Dynamo
South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may stand at 5’7”, but his impact on the game is absolutely towering. The Springbok scrum-half is a constant menace in defence, relentlessly disrupting the flow of opposing playmakers. His speed, fearlessness, and pinpoint kicking make him a major threat at every turn.
Dupont has faced off against De Klerk in some of rugby’s biggest clashes and knows how effective the Springbok can be. Whether it’s through his fierce tackles or clever box kicks, De Klerk embodies the high-energy, physical style that has made South Africa a force to be reckoned with.
Rugby’s most ferocious disruptor? You bet. You’ll find him at the heart of South Africa’s World Cup triumphs.
Owen Farrell – England’s Enforcer
Owen Farrell is the kind of player who can turn a match into a war of attrition. Known for his uncompromising leadership, fierce defence, and cool-headed game management, Farrell is the ultimate no-nonsense enforcer.
His physical presence on the pitch is impossible to ignore—whether he’s crashing into tackles, controlling the game with his kicking, or barking orders at his team. Farrell thrives in pressure moments, and Dupont has had to contend with his relentless intensity more than once.
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QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?
England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.
England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!
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