Andy Farrell has named his Lions team to play Western Force with wholesale changed to the team that was defeated by Argentina last weekend.
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Dan Sheehan will lead the Lions for the first time on his tour debut, starting at hooker against the Western Force.
Head coach Andy Farrell has made a full 15 changes to the side beaten by Argentina last Friday — including one positional tweak.
Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu is the only player to keep his place, shifting into a new-look midfield as the Lions look to reset and make a statement in Perth.
The bold selection shows Farrell isn’t afraid to mix things up early in the tour.
FARRELL SAID:
British & Irish Lions Head Coach Farrell said: “We have had a good week of training and all of the travel and time zone changes have been managed really well, so we are good to go.
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“Dan Sheehan gets the opportunity to lead the side against Western Force, which is a great honour for him and his family - so congratulations to Dan as he captains the side on his Lions debut.
“We know the quality and experience the Force have and the opportunity to play against the Lions always brings out special performances from the Super Rugby sides, so we expect them to be at their best.”
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Lions teams to play Western Force:
15. Elliot Daly (Saracens / England) #822
A versatile and experienced back, Elliot Daly brings attacking flair, a booming boot, and positional intelligence to the full-back role. Capable across the backline, Daly has been a mainstay for England since his debut in 2016 and a British & Irish Lion.
A versatile and experienced back, Elliot Daly brings attacking flair, a booming boot, and positional intelligence to the full-back role. Capable across the backline, Daly has been a mainstay for England since his debut in 2016 and a British & Irish Lion.
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby / Ireland) #867
The electrifying Australian-born wing burst onto the Irish scene with flair, speed, and fearless creativity. Known for his unpredictable running lines and sharp instincts, Hansen quickly became a fan favorite after his debut in 2022.
The electrifying Australian-born wing burst onto the Irish scene with flair, speed, and fearless creativity. Known for his unpredictable running lines and sharp instincts, Hansen quickly became a fan favorite after his debut in 2022.
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
A classy and cerebral outside centre, Ringrose is renowned for his footwork, defensive organization, and leadership. A Leinster stalwart and Irish international since 2016, he remains one of the most consistent midfielders in the game.
A classy and cerebral outside centre, Ringrose is renowned for his footwork, defensive organization, and leadership. A Leinster stalwart and Irish international since 2016, he remains one of the most consistent midfielders in the game.
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors / Scotland) #863
A powerful and intelligent centre, Tuipulotu adds physicality and creativity to Scotland’s midfield. Born in Australia, he qualified for Scotland through his grandmother and debuted in 2021.
A powerful and intelligent centre, Tuipulotu adds physicality and creativity to Scotland’s midfield. Born in Australia, he qualified for Scotland through his grandmother and debuted in 2021.
11. James Lowe (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
A potent attacking force with a booming left foot, Lowe brings aggression and energy on the wing. A New Zealand-born player, he became eligible for Ireland in 2020 and has since added flair to their back three.
A potent attacking force with a booming left foot, Lowe brings aggression and energy on the wing. A New Zealand-born player, he became eligible for Ireland in 2020 and has since added flair to their back three.
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby / Scotland) #835
One of the most gifted playmakers in world rugby, Russell blends vision, audacity, and pinpoint kicking. His move to Bath has only sharpened his control and creativity at fly-half for Scotland and beyond.
One of the most gifted playmakers in world rugby, Russell blends vision, audacity, and pinpoint kicking. His move to Bath has only sharpened his control and creativity at fly-half for Scotland and beyond.
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby / Wales) #866
A sharp and instinctive scrum-half, Williams offers quick service, sniping breaks, and strong defensive work. He’s become a key figure for Wales and recently transferred to Gloucester to further sharpen his game.
A sharp and instinctive scrum-half, Williams offers quick service, sniping breaks, and strong defensive work. He’s become a key figure for Wales and recently transferred to Gloucester to further sharpen his game.
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby / Scotland) #868
A dynamic loosehead prop with powerful carries and a relentless work rate, Schoeman has been a cornerstone for Scotland’s front row since qualifying in 2021 through residency.
A dynamic loosehead prop with powerful carries and a relentless work rate, Schoeman has been a cornerstone for Scotland’s front row since qualifying in 2021 through residency.
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) (c)
A world-class hooker with explosive athleticism and clinical finishing, Sheehan has quickly risen as a leader for Ireland. A vital piece of Leinster’s pack, he's known for his lineout accuracy and dynamism around the park.
A world-class hooker with explosive athleticism and clinical finishing, Sheehan has quickly risen as a leader for Ireland. A vital piece of Leinster’s pack, he's known for his lineout accuracy and dynamism around the park.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) #818
Regarded as one of the premier tightheads in global rugby, Furlong combines set-piece excellence with soft hands and physicality. A two-time British & Irish Lion, he’s a linchpin in Ireland’s scrum.
Regarded as one of the premier tightheads in global rugby, Furlong combines set-piece excellence with soft hands and physicality. A two-time British & Irish Lion, he’s a linchpin in Ireland’s scrum.
4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors / Scotland) #869
A workhorse lock with strong set-piece fundamentals and lineout prowess, Cummings has been steadily growing in stature in Scotland’s engine room since his debut in 2019.
A workhorse lock with strong set-piece fundamentals and lineout prowess, Cummings has been steadily growing in stature in Scotland’s engine room since his debut in 2019.
5. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
An imposing lock known for his physical presence, McCarthy is one of the brightest young talents in Irish rugby. His aggression in contact and set-piece skills have quickly earned him international recognition.
An imposing lock known for his physical presence, McCarthy is one of the brightest young talents in Irish rugby. His aggression in contact and set-piece skills have quickly earned him international recognition.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby / Ireland) #838
Beirne is a versatile, turnover-hungry forward capable of playing lock or flanker. His work at the breakdown, athleticism, and lineout skill make him a key figure in Ireland’s back five.
Beirne is a versatile, turnover-hungry forward capable of playing lock or flanker. His work at the breakdown, athleticism, and lineout skill make him a key figure in Ireland’s back five.
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier is known for his relentless work rate, tackling, and ball-carrying. A vital cog in both Leinster and Ireland’s game plan.
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier is known for his relentless work rate, tackling, and ball-carrying. A vital cog in both Leinster and Ireland’s game plan.
8. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints / England) #865
A rising star in English rugby, Pollock is known for his high motor, breakdown nous, and ball-carrying. Having shone at U20 level, his senior debut marks him as one to watch for the future.
A rising star in English rugby, Pollock is known for his high motor, breakdown nous, and ball-carrying. Having shone at U20 level, his senior debut marks him as one to watch for the future.
Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) #864
A dynamic hooker with a strong try-scoring record, Kelleher is a mobile, hard-hitting front-row option. He adds impact and reliability off the bench.
A dynamic hooker with a strong try-scoring record, Kelleher is a mobile, hard-hitting front-row option. He adds impact and reliability off the bench.
17. Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
Equally comfortable at loosehead and tighthead, Porter is a powerhouse scrummager and explosive ball-carrier, regularly making an impact in both Leinster and Ireland jerseys.
Equally comfortable at loosehead and tighthead, Porter is a powerhouse scrummager and explosive ball-carrier, regularly making an impact in both Leinster and Ireland jerseys.
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby / England)
A strong, no-nonsense tighthead prop, Stuart offers solid scrummaging and tough defense. A consistent performer for Bath and England.
A strong, no-nonsense tighthead prop, Stuart offers solid scrummaging and tough defense. A consistent performer for Bath and England.
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers / England)
A tall, athletic lock with superb mobility and lineout ability, Chessum is part of the new generation of English forwards. His versatility makes him a valuable squad member.
A tall, athletic lock with superb mobility and lineout ability, Chessum is part of the new generation of English forwards. His versatility makes him a valuable squad member.
20. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) #839
An experienced No. 8 with Lions credentials, Conan provides go-forward ball and composure at the base of the scrum. A trusted figure in high-stakes matches.
An experienced No. 8 with Lions credentials, Conan provides go-forward ball and composure at the base of the scrum. A trusted figure in high-stakes matches.
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints / England) #860
An agile, attacking scrum-half, Mitchell thrives on quick ball and rapid tempo. His flair and sniping runs offer a different dynamic late in games.
An agile, attacking scrum-half, Mitchell thrives on quick ball and rapid tempo. His flair and sniping runs offer a different dynamic late in games.
22. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors / Scotland)
A dangerous outside centre with strong running lines and attacking instinct, Jones has rediscovered top form in recent seasons and remains a threat in open space.
A dangerous outside centre with strong running lines and attacking instinct, Jones has rediscovered top form in recent seasons and remains a threat in open space.
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins / England) #855
A mercurial fly-half with dazzling footwork and creative spark, Smith can change games in an instant. A versatile option at 10 or 15, he brings flair and fearlessness off the bench.
A mercurial fly-half with dazzling footwork and creative spark, Smith can change games in an instant. A versatile option at 10 or 15, he brings flair and fearlessness off the bench.
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- “Not retired” – Steve Borthwick confirms Owen Farrell England return
- Over 25,000 fans sign Petition to Rename Murrayfield Stand After Doddie Weir
- Owen Farrell out as Sky Sports’ Lions Tour pundit after just one game
- Erasmus reveals Ntlabakanye’s dedication ahead of first Springbok start
Meet the rugby WAGS of the English Lions ahead of Australia tour
st on the pitch—off it, the partners of British & Irish Lions players are making headlines of their own.
One in particular has stunned fans with an incredible body transformation that’s turning heads across social media. But she’s not the only one catching attention.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most glamorous and inspiring WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of the Lions squad—featuring standout women from England, Scotland, and Ireland who are making their own mark beyond the rugby world.
ENGLAND
Meet Chloe Rose – the woman behind the England hooker (Luke Cowan-Dickie)
Hailing from Cornwall, Chloe is the long-time partner of Luke Cowan-Dickie and a regular face in the stands, proudly backing her man through thick and thin. But lately, she’s been making waves of her own.
Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey – and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram here.
The couple’s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo – born during the 2020 Six Nations after Chloe announced her pregnancy just ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Luke shared the news with fans at the time:
“So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.”
From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren’t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can’t get enough.
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.
The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.
Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.
Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.
Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"
Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)
Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.
Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
Meg - Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)
Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)
Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
SCOTLAND:
Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)
Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.
Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.
Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.
Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)
Huw Jones and Annabel said "I do" in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”
When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.
Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)
Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.
The couple made an appearance in Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.
IRELAND
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.
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.
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.
Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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