Lions Debutant is the Cousin of Teammate Blair Kinghorn – It’s a Family Affair
Rugby NewsTuesday, 22 July 2025 at 08:48
The British & Irish Lions' 2025 tour of Australia is reaching its final stretch, and Andy Farrell has named an exciting squad to take on the First Nations & Pasifika XV in the last midweek clash, set for Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
With a blend of seasoned internationals and fresh-faced debutants, the squad has a distinctive family feel — literally.
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Among the most notable stories to emerge from the team announcement is the Lions debut of Gregor Brown, who has earned a spot on the bench.
The Glasgow Warriors forward is making his first appearance for the Lions — and he won’t be short of familiar faces. Brown is the cousin of starting fullback Blair Kinghorn, marking a rare family link in the touring squad and adding a heartfelt subplot to this historic fixture.
Leading the side is Owen Farrell (#780), the Saracens stalwart and England international, who captains the side from inside centre in what will be his 20th appearance for the Lions — an exceptional milestone in the famous red jersey. He partners Ireland’s Jamie Osborne, who impressed in his debut year and brings versatility to the midfield.
Here's a closer look at the starting XV and bench — along with a quirky fact about each player:
Starting XV
(Toulouse/Scotland) #882?
Youngest ever to reach 100 caps for Edinburgh — aged just 24 years and 117 days.
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland)
? Scotland's all-time joint top try-scorer in a single calendar year.
? Scotland's all-time joint top try-scorer in a single calendar year.
13. Jamie Osborne (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
? Debuted for Ireland at fullback — despite not playing there for two years beforehand.
? Debuted for Ireland at fullback — despite not playing there for two years beforehand.
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens/England) #780 (c)
? Set to become the third Englishman to reach 20 Lions caps.
? Set to become the third Englishman to reach 20 Lions caps.
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #841
? Scotland's all-time top try-scorer — surpassing the record in 2025.
? Scotland's all-time top try-scorer — surpassing the record in 2025.
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/England) #862
? His grandfather, Tom Elliot, toured with the Lions in 1955.
? His grandfather, Tom Elliot, toured with the Lions in 1955.
9. Ben White (Toulon/Scotland) #883
? First Scottish scrum-half to play club rugby in France since Mike Blair.
? First Scottish scrum-half to play club rugby in France since Mike Blair.
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #868
? Known for his pre-match ritual of playing the bagpipes in the changing room.
? Known for his pre-match ritual of playing the bagpipes in the changing room.
2. Jamie George (Saracens/England) #819
? Only hooker to start all three Tests in two consecutive Lions series (2017, 2021).
? Only hooker to start all three Tests in two consecutive Lions series (2017, 2021).
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #856
? Has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu — which he credits for scrum balance.
? Has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu — which he credits for scrum balance.
4. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #880
? Captained Ireland before the age of 25 — the youngest since Brian O’Driscoll.
? Captained Ireland before the age of 25 — the youngest since Brian O’Driscoll.
5. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #869
? Earned his first Scotland cap while studying mechanical engineering.
? Earned his first Scotland cap while studying mechanical engineering.
6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/Wales) #861
? Former captain of Wales U20 and a fluent Welsh speaker.
? Former captain of Wales U20 and a fluent Welsh speaker.
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #874
? World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in 2022.
? World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in 2022.
8. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/England) #865
? The youngest forward in this Lions squad — still just 20 years old.
? The youngest forward in this Lions squad — still just 20 years old.
Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland)
? Born in Canada but eligible through Scottish parents — debuted in 2021.
? Born in Canada but eligible through Scottish parents — debuted in 2021.
17. Rory Sutherland (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #840
? Fought back from a career-threatening injury in 2018 to become a Lions Test player in 2021.
? Fought back from a career-threatening injury in 2018 to become a Lions Test player in 2021.
18. Tom Clarkson (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
? Won the U20 Grand Slam with Ireland in 2019.
? Won the U20 Grand Slam with Ireland in 2019.
19. Gregor Brown (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland)
? Cousin of fullback Blair Kinghorn — making this a family occasion.
? Cousin of fullback Blair Kinghorn — making this a family occasion.
20. Ben Earl (Saracens/England) #857
? Topped the Premiership tackle count in 2023–24.
? Topped the Premiership tackle count in 2023–24.
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England) #860
? Scored a try on his England debut with his very first touch of the ball.
? Scored a try on his England debut with his very first touch of the ball.
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/England) #855
? Also eligible for the Philippines — his mother’s homeland.
? Also eligible for the Philippines — his mother’s homeland.
23. Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #872
? Once described by Brian O’Driscoll as “the closest thing to a natural successor.”
? Once described by Brian O’Driscoll as “the closest thing to a natural successor.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- Four Most Disappointing Lions of the Tour (So Far…)
- Jac Morgan and Owen Farrell come into the Lions XV: Big changes confirmed
- British & Irish Lions are a close to playing France in first match of its kind
- England Player Ratings vs USA: Ford 9, Coles 5
- Lions player ratings vs Australia: First Test
“Too weak” – Three Changes Andy Farrell Must Make for Lions’ Second Test vs Australia
#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
- Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
- Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise
Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
Final Verdict:
Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.
#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
- Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
- Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense
Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Final Verdict:
Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.
#3. James Lowe – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
- Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
- Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)
Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Final Verdict:
Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defence. Watch this space.
Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches
Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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