Pick your Lions XV from Andy Farrell's 38-man squad

Thursday, 08 May 2025 at 22:52

byRugby Rucker

Northampton’s 20-year-old tyro Henry Pollock will head Down Under this summer with the British & Irish Lions – capping off a meteoric rise few could’ve predicted just a year ago.

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The back-row sensation only turned 20 in January and had just one Premiership appearance to his name before this season. Now? He’s rubbing shoulders with legends.

But while one Farrell makes history, another is left behind. Owen Farrell, the son of head coach Andy and a three-time Lions tourist, misses out. The former England skipper recently returned to action for Racing 92, but it wasn’t enough to earn a fourth cap on the red stage.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s heir apparent at fly-half, Sam Prendergast, also misses the cut. Instead, the Lions will look to Finn Russell (Scotland) and England duo Fin Smith and Marcus Smith to orchestrate things from No.10.

With power, pace, and plenty of flair across the board, there’s no shortage of firepower in this squad. But who makes your starting XV?

? Pick your Lions XV from the 38-man squad below ?

Loosehead-prop:

Hooker:

Tighthead-prop:

Lock 1:

Lock 2:

Blindside flanker:

Openside flanker:

Number 8:

Scrum-half:

Fly-half:

Left wing:

Inside-centre:

Outside-centre:

Right wing:

Fullback:

The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia

1. Nicky Smith (Wales)

An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.

2. Jamie George (England)

The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.

3. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.

4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.

5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.

6. Courtney Lawes (England)

A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.

7. Jack Willis (England)

A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.

9. Ben White (Scotland)

Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.

10. Owen Farrell (England)

The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.

12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)

Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.

13. Henry Slade (England)

One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.

14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)

The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.

15. George Furbank (England)

A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.