Matt Dawson names who should be the 'first name' on the Lions team sheet
Rugby NewsMonday, 17 March 2025 at 19:03
Ken Owens and Matt Dawson are in full agreement—Maro Itoje should lead the British & Irish Lions when they tour Australia next year.
With Andy Farrell confirmed as head coach, speculation is already building over who will captain the side. Both England and Ireland fell short in the Six Nations, with France stealing the show on the final weekend, but Itoje’s performances have left a lasting impression.
Dawson: "He's got better and better"
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Dawson was clear in his choice for skipper.
“Maro Itoje is the captain for me,” he said. “I called it at the start of the tournament, and week by week, he’s only improved. His energy, his leadership, and the way he takes responsibility is inspiring.
“And with how competitive the back row is going to be, having Itoje as captain could make things easier for Farrell, rather than going with someone like [Caelan] Doris.”
Owens: "You want your captain to be the first name on the teamsheet"
Former Wales skipper Ken Owens backed Dawson’s call, highlighting Itoje’s presence as a key factor.
“You want your captain to be the guy who is the first name on the teamsheet,” Owens said. “With Doris struggling with a slight injury and Ireland’s form dipping, Itoje gives you that presence.
“He’s grown as a player—you saw that against Wales. He’s making big calls, and I’ve toured with him before. The professionalism, the detail he puts into everything, he’s really put his hand up as captain.”
IN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) - 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) - 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) - 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) - 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) - 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) - 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) - 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) - 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) - 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) - 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) - 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) - 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) - 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) - 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) - 11/10
PROP (3)
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) - 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) - 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) - 4/6
- Fin Baxter (England) - 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) - 5/4
HOOKER (3)
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) - 1/10
- Jamie George (England) - 8/15
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - 6/5
LOCK (5)
- Maro Itoje (England) - 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) - 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) - 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) - 8/11
- George Martin (England) - 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) - 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) - 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) - 1/3
- Tom Curry (England) - 8/15
- Jack Morgan (Wales) - 4/6
- Ben Curry (England) - 6/4
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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