England legend slams ‘record’ foreign-born presence in Lions squad, with more Aussies than Welsh players

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 19:05

byRugby Rucker

Former England scrum-half Danny Care has voiced his disapproval of the number of foreign-born stars selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.

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Speaking on the

BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Care didn’t hold back as he questioned the inclusion of southern hemisphere-born players who qualified for their nations through residency.

? “It doesn’t sit that well with me that some of these… both your starting wingers are going to be lads that never, ever once in their childhood or even their mid-20s dreamt of wearing a red Lions jersey.”

With the likes of James Lowe, Duhan van der Merwe, and Jamison Gibson-Park all potentially lining up in red, Care admitted the situation is within the rules, but far from ideal.

?️ “It is what it is, it’s the rules… but it just doesn’t [feel right]. I think there’s a lot of people that feel the same but can’t say it.”

Inside Centre Debate Sparks Backlash

When RUCK asked the simple question – “Who should start at inside centre for the Lions?” – the replies were unexpectedly fierce.

Both suggested options were foreign-born, and that didn’t sit well with a vocal minority of traditionalists.

One furious fan raged:

“How’s about finding British Born Players to play for the British Lions?”

Another fumed:

“Neither are British,” keeping their argument short and salty.

Pot, Kettle, Pacific?

Another supporter took a swing at the hypocrisy, writing:

“I remember years back when UK fans mocked NZ for their ‘Pacific-picked’ players. Now look – there’s always a Kiwi, Fijian, Samoan or Tongan in every European team!”

Not Everyone’s Having It

But not all fans agreed with the outrage. One passionate rugby lover clapped back:

“Really ridiculous how people have an issue with foreign people who have the right to play for another nation.
They are legally eligible! It’s no different to someone becoming a citizen of another country.
This makes for better, more competitive rugby – and that’s what we want, right?
If you can’t handle it, go support football instead.”

RUCK’s Take? No Issue Here

Let’s be clear – RUCK doesn’t have a problem with it. If a player is eligible and has earned their spot through form, commitment, and quality performances, we’re all for them pulling on the red jersey.

The game has changed. So has the world. Rugby is better when it’s inclusive, competitive, and stacked with world-class talent – wherever they were born.

So, Who’s “Foreign-Born” Anyway?

In total, 9 of Farrell’s 38-man squad were born overseas. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) ??

2. Jamison Gibson‑Park (Ireland) ??

Born: 23 Feb 1992 on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Position: Scrum-half
Club: Leinster (from 2016), over 130 appearances
International: Qualified by residency, debuted 2020; earned Irish citizenship late 2023; 33 caps
Personal: Married to Patti; father to three children

3. Marcus Smith (England) ??

Born: 14 Feb 1999 in Manila, Philippines
Position: Fly-half / Fullback
Club: Harlequins since 2017 – 172 appearances, 1,563 points
Background: Born to a Filipina mother and British father; formative years in Philippines and Singapore

4. Bundee Aki (Ireland) ??

Born: 7 Apr 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Centre
Club: Connacht (since 2014), plus Chiefs and Counties Manukau previously
International: Irish-qualified by residency; over 66 caps and Irish citizenship granted mid-2020s

5. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) ??

Born: 12 Feb 1997 in Victoria, Australia
Position: Centre / Wing
Club: Glasgow Warriors since 2021; earlier stints with Melbourne Rebels & in Japan
International: Scotland-qualified via grandmother; debuted 2021; current Scotland captain & Lions pick 2025

6. James Lowe (Ireland) ??

Born: 8 Jul 1992 in New Zealand
Position: Wing
Club: Leinster; previously Auckland & Chiefs
International: Qualified by residency; citizenship in 2025

7. Mack Hansen (Ireland) ??

Born: 27 Mar 1998 in Canberra, Australia
Position: Wing / Fullback
Club: Connacht since 2021; current Connacht Player of the Year (2022)
International: Ireland-qualified via mother; debuted in 2022 Six Nations

8. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) ??

Born: 4 Jun 1995 in George, South Africa
Position: Wing
Club: Edinburgh since 2017; also played for Montpellier & Bulls; prolific try-scorer
International: Scotland-qualified via residency; debuted Oct 2020

9. Finlay Bealham (Ireland) ??

Born: 9 Oct 1991 in Canberra, Australia
Position: Prop (tight- and loosehead)
Club: Connacht since 2014 – over 200 appearances; key in 2016 Pro12 title
International: Ireland-qualified via grandmother; debuted 2016; 41 caps, two Six Nations titles (2023, 2024), Grand Slam 2023
Lions Call-Up: Selected for 2025 Lions tour – replacing Zander Fagerson

RUGBY QUIZ: QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?

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