Lions team to play Argentina: Andy Farrell names his XV

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 08:01

byRugby Rucker

Andy Farrell name his Lions team to play Argentina as the 2025 tour kicks off on Friday night at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

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The British & Irish Lions will begin their 2025 summer campaign with a high-profile exhibition match against Argentina in Dublin this Friday, ahead of their much-anticipated tour of Australia.

After months of preparation, Andy Farrell will officially step into his role as head coach, leading the 38-man squad for the first time. He’ll be aiming to secure what would be just the Lions' second series win of the 21st century.

Scroll down for the Lions team to play Argentina.

Team News:

Marcus Smith will start at full-back as the British & Irish Lions kick off their tour against Argentina on Friday, with Maro Itoje named captain. The starting XV features nine English players.

Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu form a powerful centre pairing, while Duhan van der Merwe and Tommy Freeman are named on the wings.

Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith continue their half-back partnership.

Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Finlay Bealham start in the front row, with Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, and Ben Earl in the back row.

Tadhg Furlong and Henry Pollock are among the replacements.

“Congratulations to Maro Itoje ahead of leading out the Lions for the first time -

it is a truly special moment and one that very few players ever get to experience.

“Maro has led the group well during our time in Portugal and then Dublin this week. This is also our first opportunity to show what the 2025 Lions are about and what we want to stand for as a team.

“We know that Argentina will challenge us up front and out wide - so Friday night will be a tough contest, but also a great occasion for all the fans."

Key Match Details

How to Watch

Fans in the UK can catch the action live on Sky Sports, while Stan Sport will broadcast the match in Australia. ESPN will also provide live updates via its blog, along with in-depth news and analysis.

Lions team to play Argentina:

15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints/England)
13. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland)
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #837
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #841
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/England)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/England)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/England) #851
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/Ireland)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens/England) #825 (c)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/Ireland) #838
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks/England) #853
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/Wales)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens/England)

Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
17. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland)
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #818
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland)
20. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/England)
21. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby/Wales)
22. Elliot Daly (Saracens/England) #822
23. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/Ireland)

British & Irish Lions 2025 Fixtures

June 20 – Dublin: Lions vs Argentina
June 28 – Perth: Lions vs Western Force
July 2 – Brisbane: Lions vs Queensland Reds
July 5 – Sydney: Lions vs New South Wales Waratahs
July 9 – Canberra: Lions vs ACT Brumbies
July 12 – Adelaide: Lions vs ANZAC XV
July 12 – Brisbane: Lions vs Wallabies
July 22 – Melbourne: Lions vs First Nations and Pasifika XV
July 26 – Melbourne: Lions vs Wallabies
August 2 – Sydney: Lions vs Wallabies

Meet the rugby WAGS of the Irish Lions ahead of Australia tour

From long-time loves to glamorous newcomers, these WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are a stylish and supportive presence behind the players.

Here's your guide to the women standing beside the Lions as they head Down Under.

IRISH LIONS RUGBY WAGS

Patti Gibson-Park – Family First, Irish Roots, and Jamison’s Biggest Support (Jamison Gibson-Park)

Becoming an Irish citizen was an easy call for Jamison Gibson-Park — thanks to the strong family life he and wife Patti have built here.

Together they’re raising three kids — Jai, Isabella, and Iris — and Jamison says settling in Ireland has made all the difference. “My family is unbelievably well settled, which makes my job easier. I can just focus on doing my thing,” he told EVOKE.

Grateful for their new home, Jamison was more than happy to make Ireland official.

Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)

Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.

Speaking to EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best... she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.

Sarah Bealham – Marbella “I Do’s”, Motherhood, and Bealham’s Biggest Win (Finlay Bealham)

2024 was a year to remember for Finlay and Sarah Bealham, as they welcomed their first child — a baby boy named Joaquin — right in the middle of Ireland’s Six Nations camp.

The loved-up pair said "I do" back in August 2022 at the stunning Finca la Concepcion in Marbella, a year on from Finlay’s romantic proposal in Puerto Banús.

Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)

Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.

Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)

Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.

The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.

Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)

Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.

They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!

Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)

Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.

Emma Hempenstall – Private Life, Pitchside Views, and Keenan’s Long-Term Love (Hugo Keenan)

Emma Hempenstall has been by Hugo Keenan’s side for over three years, so she’s well used to life on the rugby sidelines.

The couple keep things pretty private online, but they’ve been snapped at a few weddings and turning up together to support from the stands.

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Arni Lowe – From NZ to Dublin, Vegas Vows, and Ringrose’s Co-Pilot in Life (James Lowe)

Arni and James Lowe made the big move from New Zealand to Ireland back in 2017 when James signed with Leinster — and they’ve been building a beautiful life together ever since.

In true low-key style, the long-time couple surprised everyone by eloping to Las Vegas in 2022. Just a year later, they hit another major milestone with the arrival of their son, Nico.

James has often praised Arni as his “co-pilot” on the parenting journey, especially as their little man celebrated his first birthday in April.

Elaine Porter – New Mum, Quiet Strength, and Porter’s Biggest Win Yet (Andrew Porter)

It’s double celebrations in the Porter household — not only has Andrew Porter been named in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, but he’s also just become a dad for the first time.

The 28-year-old and his wife Elaine shared the joyful news on Instagram, posting a beautiful black-and-white snap of their newborn son’s tiny hands cradled by his proud parents. The caption said it all: “Our perfect baby boy.”

Laura Sexton – From Tennis Courts to Touchlines, Family First, and Sexton’s Rock (Johnny Sexton)

Johnny Sexton is back in the Lions camp this summer — but off the pitch, it’s been all about family with Laura, his teenage sweetheart turned wife since 2013.

Their love story kicked off at Rathgar Tennis Club and has blossomed alongside Johnny’s legendary rugby career. With three kids cheering him on from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is when he’s lining up a crucial kick.

From Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, their journey is a true testament to love, loyalty, and lasting partnership.