England Star Joins British & Irish Lions Squad Ahead of Tour Opener
Rugby NewsTuesday, 17 June 2025 at 08:45
part of the Red Bull family – and he’s one of the most recognisable players in world rugby. On-field threat + off-field branding = marketing dream.
England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet has been drafted into the British & Irish Lions squad ahead of their 2025 send-off showdown against Argentina in Dublin this Friday.
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With head coach Andy Farrell set to name his first-ever Lions matchday 23 at Aviva Stadium, van Poortvliet's inclusion adds fresh energy to the squad. The team announcement is locked in for 4:30pm on Wednesday, June 18, live from Lansdowne Road.
? Lions roar back into action. Who makes the cut? We’ll find out soon.
Jack van Poortvliet – Bio
Known for: Quick service, sharp game management, and calm under pressure
Position: Scrum-half
DOB: May 15, 2001
Height: 5ft 10in (1.78m)
Weight: 85kg
Club: Leicester Tigers
International Caps: 15 (England)
Lions Tour 2025: Full Fixture List & How to Watch
The Lions are back in action with a blockbuster summer schedule! It all kicks off in Dublin against Argentina before the squad jets off to Australia for a jam-packed July of tour matches — all building up to a massive three-Test series against the Wallabies.
All kick-off times are UK (BST)
All matches live on Sky Sports Main Event
All matches live on Sky Sports Main Event
? Friday, June 20 – 8:00pm
?
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Saturday, June 28 – 11:00am
vs Western Force
? Optus Stadium, Perth
? Optus Stadium, Perth
? Tuesday, July 2 – 11:00am
vs Queensland Reds
? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
? Saturday, July 5 – 11:00am
vs NSW Waratahs
? Allianz Stadium, Sydney
? Allianz Stadium, Sydney
? Wednesday, July 9 – 11:00am
vs ACT Brumbies
? Gio Stadium, Canberra
? Gio Stadium, Canberra
? Saturday, July 12 – 11:00am
vs Australia & New Zealand Invitational XV
? Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
? Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
? Saturday, July 19 – 11:00am
1st Test: vs Australia
? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
? Tuesday, July 22 – 11:00am
vs First Nations & Pasifika XV
? Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
? Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
? Saturday, July 26 – 11:00am
2nd Test: vs Australia
? MCG, Melbourne
? MCG, Melbourne
? Saturday, August 2 – 11:00am
3rd Test: vs Australia
? Accor Stadium, Sydney
? Accor Stadium, Sydney
Don’t miss a moment – every game live on Sky Sports Main Event.
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- ’“15 Join the Pride” – Farrell Bolsters Lions Squad Ahead of Argentina Clash
- Champions Bath Confirm 18 Player Exits Post-Final
- Dan Cole makes his feeling clear on national anthem during Premiership final
? 6 Stars Red Bull Could Bring to Newcastle
Let’s dive into the names being discussed behind the scenes – starting with one of rugby’s true giants.
?? 1. Conor Murray
Status: Free agent
CV: 100+ Ireland caps, 3x Lions, Grand Slam winner
Why it fits: You want experience? Leadership? Big-game IQ? Conor Murray has it all. He’s just wrapped up 15 iconic years with Munster and is actively weighing up his next move.
CV: 100+ Ireland caps, 3x Lions, Grand Slam winner
Why it fits: You want experience? Leadership? Big-game IQ? Conor Murray has it all. He’s just wrapped up 15 iconic years with Munster and is actively weighing up his next move.
Racing 92 are circling, but Red Bull are believed to be pushing hard behind the scenes to hijack the move and bring him to the Premiership.
At 36, he’s not a long-term project – but as a tactical general to guide Newcastle’s rebuild, he’d be worth every penny. A true elite organiser with box-kicking precision and icy composure.
? 2. Liam Williams
Status: Free agent
CV: Lions, Wales Grand Slam hero
Why it fits: He’s explosive, fearless, and brings real edge. At 33, he’s still electric – and ready for one more high-profile challenge. A perfect face for the Red Bull revolution.
CV: Lions, Wales Grand Slam hero
Why it fits: He’s explosive, fearless, and brings real edge. At 33, he’s still electric – and ready for one more high-profile challenge. A perfect face for the Red Bull revolution.
? 3. Zach Mercer
Status: Available
CV: England No.8, Top 14 champ
Why it fits: Still just 27 and out of contract after leaving Gloucester. He’s physical, smart, and a born leader. Toulon are sniffing – but Red Bull could beat them to it.
CV: England No.8, Top 14 champ
Why it fits: Still just 27 and out of contract after leaving Gloucester. He’s physical, smart, and a born leader. Toulon are sniffing – but Red Bull could beat them to it.
? 4. Joe Marchant
Status: In the Top 14
CV: 21 England caps, Premiership title with Quins
Why it fits: A slick centre with pace and pedigree. Bonus? He’s engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter, Hollie – a link that might just tip the scales.
CV: 21 England caps, Premiership title with Quins
Why it fits: A slick centre with pace and pedigree. Bonus? He’s engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter, Hollie – a link that might just tip the scales.
? 5. Freddie Burns
Status: Free
CV: Prem winner, 200+ appearances
Why it fits: Game-changer, joker, leader. Freddie brings that clutch gene – and would be a steady hand in a new-look backline. Big-game player with serious charisma.
CV: Prem winner, 200+ appearances
Why it fits: Game-changer, joker, leader. Freddie brings that clutch gene – and would be a steady hand in a new-look backline. Big-game player with serious charisma.
? 6. Jack Nowell
Status: Red Bull athlete
CV: England, Lions, Exeter legend
Why it fits: He’s already
CV: England, Lions, Exeter legend
Why it fits: He’s already
Caveat: his past issues on synthetic pitches could be a factor. But if there's a way around that, he’s a no-brainer.
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