British & Irish Lions to Make USA Debut in Epic Showdown!

Friday, 18 July 2025 at 10:52

byRugby Rucker

Roll the dice—Las Vegas could be about to land a rugby jackpot. The British and Irish Lions are eyeing up a sensational stopover in the U.S. before their 2029 tour to New Zealand, and Vegas is right in the thick of it.

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Showgirls, Slot Machines… and Scrums?

The idea is simple but sizzling: break up the brutal haul to NZ with a blockbuster Stateside showdown. The likely opposition? Either the USA Eagles or a star-studded Barbarians side packed with global rugby royalty. Think less Broadway, more breakdowns.

Flashback to 2017: The Jet Lag Tour Opener

Anyone remember that limp 13-7 opener against the Provincial Barbarians back in 2017? The Lions had barely shaken off the jet lag after two days of long-haul hell. A stop in Vegas could be the perfect remedy—less foggy heads, more fire in the belly.

Vegas: The Hottest New Sports City on Earth

NFL? Check. F1? Check. NBA’s In-Season Tournament? You bet. Vegas isn’t just a party town anymore—it’s a full-blown sporting mecca. And with NRL games and England’s women’s rugby league already hitting town in 2024, rugby union could be next to steal the spotlight.

Rugby’s Big U.S. Moment Is Coming—This Could Be the Trailer

With Rugby World Cups headed to U.S. shores in 2031 and 2033, the Lions playing in America feels like a marketing masterstroke. A Vegas match in 2029 could be the moment rugby breaks big in the U.S. Lights, cameras, ruck and roll.

Three Bold Changes That Would Instantly Improve the Lions Starting Line-up

The British & Irish Lions have made history with an all-Scottish 10-12-13 axis for the first time ever when they take on Australia in Brisbane this Saturday.

Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will pull the strings in midfield, with head coach Andy Farrell opting for a bold playmaking spine. The rest of the starting XV is made up entirely of Irish and English players, as no Welshmen have made the matchday 23.

It’s the first time since 1896 the Lions have named a squad to face Australia, New Zealand or South Africa without a single player from Wales.

There were three selections that fans seemingly didn’t agree with—and social media has been ablaze ever since the squad was announced.

Fan fury: Jac Morgan axed

The biggest talking point? The omission of Jac Morgan, who many tipped as a nailed-on starter after a standout tour.

It's a selection bombshell that’s ended over a century of Welsh involvement in Lions Test matches—stretching all the way back to 1899.

One of the most consistent performers in Welsh rugby, Jac Morgan has captained his country and stood out as a breakdown beast. His work rate, defensive engine, and ability to carry hard in traffic have made him a fan favourite. Many felt his form on tour warranted a starting Lions spot—or at the very least, a place on the bench.

One fan wrote: "No Morgan?! What more could he have done?”

Another said: “Not even on the bench—this is a joke!”

Another added: “Where’s Morgan, Pollock, Chessum? The selection reeks of bias.”

Another said: “Morgan’s in the form of his life and Farrell literally said ‘he can play wherever he wants’… then doesn’t pick him!”

Another slammed it as: "No Jac Morgan is laughable, been the best 7 on tour by a country mile."

Controversial picks spark backlash

A hybrid forward with serious mobility and grit, Ollie Chessum has gone from under-the-radar to must-pick in record time. His athleticism and form on tour impressed, and fans were stunned to see him left out of the starting XV.

Tadhg Beirne keeps his place in the second row, but many fans feel Ollie Chessum has outplayed him throughout the tour. The England forward only makes the bench.

One fan wrote: “Beirne starting ahead of Chessum? This squad feels like it’s based on past reputation, not current form.”

Another said: "Mental how Chessum ain’t starting"

Another added: "Chessum 100% deserved a start"

Duhan vs Freeman debate ignites

Another contentious call saw Tommy Freeman picked ahead of Duhan van der Merwe, despite the Scotland winger scoring a hat-trick in the final warm-up game.

A true powerhouse, van der Merwe blends size, speed, and finishing ability like few others. After a quiet start to the tour, he exploded back into form with a hat-trick in the final warm-up game. Despite his pedigree, he’s been left out of the starting line-up—leaving many fans scratching their heads.