Joe Marler might not be donning the iconic red jersey in 2025, but he’s still set to be one of the standout Lions of the tour — just from behind a microphone rather than in the front row.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
According to RUCK insiders, the England cult hero will join Sky Sports’ A-list punditry team for the British & Irish Lions’ much-anticipated tour of Australia next summer. He’ll be sharing the studio spotlight with three-time Lions boss Warren Gatland and 2003 World Cup winner Will Greenwood.
Marler’s sharp wit, unmatched honesty, and total lack of a filter will be on full display as the Lions go head-to-head with the Wallabies and a host of top domestic sides Down Under.
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Who is Joe Marler, anyway?
- Full Name: Joseph William George Marler
- Age: 34 (born July 7, 1990)
- Position: Loosehead prop
- England Caps: 90+
- Club: Harlequins (Premiership)
- Fun Fact: Once dyed his hair bright red before a Six Nations match — and has a podcast to match his personality.
- Notable Moment: Returned from international retirement in 2022 to play a key role under Steve Borthwick.
? Everything you need to know about the 2025 Lions tour
The Lions’ first full-scale tour since South Africa in 2021 is shaping up to be a blockbuster. Sky Sports has exclusive UK broadcast rights and will show all three Test matches and six warm-up games live — meaning Lions fever is coming to your living room in full force.
? Lions 2025 Tour Fixtures – Mark these in your calendar
June 28: Western Force – Perth Stadium, Perth
July 2: Queensland Reds – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
July 5: Waratahs – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
July 9: Brumbies – GIO Stadium, Canberra
July 12: ANZ Invitational XV – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
July 22: Melbourne Rebels – AAMI Park, Melbourne
July 2: Queensland Reds – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
July 5: Waratahs – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
July 9: Brumbies – GIO Stadium, Canberra
July 12: ANZ Invitational XV – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
July 22: Melbourne Rebels – AAMI Park, Melbourne
?️ Test Match Trilogy – The Main Event
- First Test: July 19 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Second Test: July 26 – Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Third Test: August 2 – Accor Stadium, Sydney
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The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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