Every British & Irish Lions player on 2025 tour graded: Two players fall short
Rugby NewsSunday, 27 July 2025 at 18:24
The British and Irish Lions have secured a series victory for the first time since 2013, with their recent last-minute win in Melbourne taking them 2-0 up and out of sight against the Wallabies.
Now, with a third Test to look forward to and the pressure off, it is time to reflect.
For all of the success of Andy Farrell's side, their performances have often left a lot to be desired.
With that in mind, we graded each Lions player on how they have performed across the whole tour. Some who were late call-ups and didn't get many minutes have been left out.
Tadhg Beirne – A+
Was nowhere near his best in the warm-up games that he played, but turned it on when it mattered in both Tests he's played against the Wallabies. Farrell took a risk picking him, and he vindicated that decision. For that reason, it is hard to grade Beirne at any less than an A+, even with his struggles earlier on in the tour.
Tom Curry – A+
Like Beirne, Curry wasn't at his best during the warm-up games but stepped up in the Tests, which is what players will be judged on at the end of the day. An absolute Test-match animal, the Sale Sharks flanker raised his game and was one of the best players on the pitch in both games so far. For that reason, he is an A+.
Dan Sheehan – A+
Has been one of the stars and rightfully the starting hooker for most of the tour. Brings incredible dynamism to the front row and has popped up around the pitch on numerous occasions.
Andrew Porter – A
Very good player throughout and has been key to a strong pack. Starting him ahead of Genge really made a difference to the power in the scrum in the second Test.
Ellis Genge – A-
Very similar to his tighthead partner for much of the tour, Genge has been a very strong performer, but as he is a prop, a lot of his impact comes from the intangibles that he brings. Benched for tactical decisions rather than form, Genge can be proud of how he has played.
Tadhg Furlong – A-
One of the first names on the team sheet, Furlong has done enough to keep himself in the squad without doing anything truly remarkable. A strong scrummager who has had a few involvements around the pitch.
Maro Itoje – A-
Has brought brilliant leadership to the team, but his performances on the pitch haven't been Itoje at his best. For all his work off the field and the fact that he has led a Lions side to a series victory, he deserves a lot of credit.
Finn Russell – A-
Showed a lot of class with the ball but has had slight inconsistency considering his high standards. Perhaps a slightly harsh grade, but Russell is one of the best in the world and is being judged as such.
Will Stuart – A-
The prop pecking order has been pretty clear, and Stuart fits nicely into the 'replacements' option. That has suited him and he can be happy with how he has done.
Joe McCarthy – B+
Would have been higher if injury hadn’t stopped him from playing the second Test. Brought much-needed physicality to the first and looks a hugely dependable second row.
Jamison Gibson-Park – B+
A very solid operator who has done his job to a very high level.
Sione Tuipulotu – B+
Unlucky with an injury, but has been one of the standout centres and complements his Scotland partner Huw Jones very well, which has translated to the Lions.
Ollie Chessum – B
Hasn't nailed down a spot at blindside flanker or in the second row. Did a decent job in Joe McCarthy's absence during the second match but wouldn't have been playing if not for injury. Solid enough from the only Leicester Tigers player in the squad.
Jack Conan – B
Been a solid performer at No. 8, however hasn't faced much competition for selection and therefore hasn't had to raise his level to his absolute best. A good player but has been outshone by others in the back row.
Henry Pollock – B
Has brought his trademark flair both on and off the pitch and, considering his age and lack of experience compared to everyone else, has acquitted himself very well to being a Lion.
Huw Jones – B
Punchy as always at outside centre and finally got his try in Melbourne after the TMO disallowed his one in the first Test.
Hugo Keenan – B
Had an extremely poor first Test. His winner in the last minute of the second will forever be remembered in the history books and has hugely boosted his rating to a B. In terms of memories created, it is an A+.
Ben Earl – B-
Had a real opportunity to stake his claim as a starting No. 8 and put in a few decent shifts, but hasn't been at his best and hasn't forced his way into the Test squad. Lost his bench spot to Jac Morgan for the second Wallabies game.
Jac Morgan – B-
Ended up being the only Welshman left in the squad and did well in the warm-ups, but was snubbed for the Test side. Got himself a berth on the bench for the second game and got very fortunate not to have been penalised for a clearout on Carlo Tizzano, which marks him down slightly. Good from Morgan and a deserved inclusion in the overall squad.
Blair Kinghorn – B-
Unlucky with injury and Top 14 commitments, but has showed his quality when he has been able to.
Marcus Smith – B-
Has brought a good amount of versatility, which has been appreciated by Farrell. A good player, despite not being at his maverick best.
Finlay Bealham – C+
Has shown himself to be a very solid midweek player and has exceeded expectations in terms of being a very good option. Hasn't pulled up many trees but a very decent showing from the Ireland man.
Scott Cummings – C+
Played very well against the First Nations and Pasifika XV and was unlucky that James Ryan was picked as the backup second row for last weekend's match. Looked a useful option.
Ronan Kelleher – C+
Very comfortably second in the hooker pecking order and has been okay. Not loads to report on, but Kelleher will be happy enough.
Bundee Aki – C+
Slightly better than average, has had a mixed bag of impactful performances and fairly anonymous showings. Was decent in his second Test start.
Garry Ringrose – C+
Been decent when he's taken to the pitch, but his partnership with Bundee Aki was deemed not as strong as the Huwipulotu partnership.
Elliot Daly – C
It is very much a case of what could have been for Daly. Started off the tour in unbelievable form and if he'd kept that up, would have certainly been in the 'A' bracket. Got injured though and missed the majority. A huge shame, but it has to be a C for his lack of appearances.
Jamie George – C
A late inclusion after Cowan-Dickie's injury and only played against the First Nations and Pasifika. Played well enough, but given it was only one game, hard to rate him too highly or too low. Will be happy he ended up being a Lion after initially being snubbed.
Owen Farrell – C
Came in late, brought leadership, but hasn't been amazing on the pitch. Middle of the road.
James Ryan – C
Very middle of the road for Ryan, who hasn't featured much when it has mattered. Came off the bench in Melbourne but didn't have much to do.
Mack Hansen – C
Another who looked promising before getting injured.
Alex Mitchell – C
Hasn't had much of a chance with Gibson-Park's form.
Duhan van der Merwe – C
Hasn't got the game time that he would have wanted.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – C-
Unlucky with a head injury suffered just before the first Test, but wasn't at his best in his cameos and never got a proper chance to redeem himself. Will be disappointed with his tour.
Tommy Freeman – C-
Has not been at his best at all. Scored a few tries but hasn't replicated his Northampton Saints and England form at all.
James Lowe – C-
Nowhere near his best on the wing, with his boot not being up to scratch and his general attacking and defensive play not proving hugely positive.
Josh van der Flier – C-
Just hasn't been himself at all and has fallen down the selection order—hugely disappointing given the obvious quality that he has.
Pierre Schoeman – D
Would have hoped to force some game time in the Tests and hasn't. For that reason, he will be disappointed.
Fin Smith – D
His England stocks have actually fallen following George Ford's performances in Argentina and his lack of game time in Australia, which is not ideal for the talented youngster.
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