"Eight 'foreign' players" - Two Aussies set to be called up to Lions to face Wallabies this summer
Rugby NewsFriday, 11 April 2025 at 09:21
– and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
Will Greenwood has dropped his predicted squad for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, and it's got fans talking for more reasons than one.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
Among the potential tourists , with two Aussies in line to face their own countrymen down under. It’s international rugby’s version of the ultimate plot twist.
Finlay Bealham and Sione Tuipulotu potentially lining up against the Wallabies is the stuff rugby fan fiction is made of – but this summer, it might just become reality.
It’s proof again that the British & Irish Lions is unlike anything else in world sport. Born abroad, forged in the North – and united for one epic tour.
Here are the eight globe-trotters Greenwood believes will don the famous red jersey this summer.
Pierre Schoeman (South Africa)
The Edinburgh powerhouse was born in Mbombela and qualifies for Scotland on residency. Now he could pack down against the Wallabies – and we’re pretty sure he’ll enjoy it. A scrummaging beast with a mullet that means business.
Finlay Bealham (Australia)
Born in Canberra, schooled in Connacht. The tighthead is an Irish regular and now finds himself potentially lining up against the land of his birth. Talk about a full-circle moment.
Ewan Ashman (Canada)
Canada may not be a rugby superpower, but the Toronto-born hooker has become a rising star in Scotland’s front row. A Lions tour would cap off a meteoric rise for the Sale Sharks starlet.
Jamison Gibson-Park (New Zealand)
The Kiwi turned Irish maestro has been pulling the strings in green – and now he might do it in red. His tempo, quick ball, and cheeky darts could be crucial in Aussie conditions.
Marcus Smith (Philippines)
Yes, really. Born in Manila, raised in Sussex, and a regular feature for England, Smith brings his trademark flair and sidestep into Lions contention. Don’t be surprised if he steals the show.
Sione Tuipulotu (Australia)
The Wallabies missed out on this one. The Melbourne-born centre has become a Scottish sensation with his direct carries and intelligent distribution. Facing Australia? That’s some spicy narrative.
James Lowe (New Zealand)
He might have grown up in Nelson, but the Leinster wing has become an Irish cult hero. Electric pace, booming boot, and big-game mentality – this Kiwi isn’t here to make up the numbers.
Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa)
South African-born. Scottish-qualified. Lions try-scorer. Enough said. The hulking winger is no stranger to this stage – and the Aussies will need more than one man to stop him.
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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton’s podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there's no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here’s how Biggar’s team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It’s an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster's dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
5. Tadhg Beirne
England’s Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He’s paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England’s Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland’s Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who’s fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
Livewire half-backs: Gibson-Park & Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Finn Russell
10. Finn Russell
Gone are the days of conservative Lions 9-10 combos. Biggar’s gone full jazz here. Gibson-Park brings the zip, and Russell… well, Russell brings the flair. The Scotland maestro’s creativity earns him the No.10 jersey over Biggar himself – no ego here.
Fire on the flanks: Lowe & Kinghorn
11. James Lowe
14. Blair Kinghorn
14. Blair Kinghorn
Two versatile Scots fill the wing slots, with Kinghorn’s blend of size and speed complementing Lowe’s relentless work rate and booming left boot. Biggar clearly values adaptability out wide – and a bit of flair never hurts.
Caledonian connection in midfield: Tuipulotu & Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
13. Huw Jones
13. Huw Jones
The Glasgow Warriors pairing have formed one of the deadliest centre combos in rugby, and Biggar’s kept them together. It’s a bold call, but one based on form and synergy rather than reputation alone.
Rock-solid fullback: Hugo Keenan
15. Hugo Keenan
No surprise here – Keenan has been Ireland’s Mr Consistent, and Biggar trusts him to be the safety net at the back. His positioning, aerial ability and counter-attacks make him a nailed-on pick.
The bench: a mix of muscle and mischief
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Zander Fagerson, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith
It’s a stacked bench with serious impact. Genge and Fagerson bring brute force, while Earl and Morgan cover the back row with pace and punch. Marcus Smith adds some stardust, and Mitchell offers serious tempo at scrum-half.
Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
Test your rugby knowledge and see how many of these iconic Lions players you can name! You’ve got 4 minutes on the clock—think fast!
Let’s see if you can nail this quiz and prove you’re a true rugby expert. Ready? Let’s go!
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