Sam Warburton names his 2025 Lions XV, somehow includes three Welshmen

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 at 08:44

byRugby Rucker

Wales legend Sam Warburton believes five England players deserve starting spots for the British & Irish Lions in next summer's three-Test series in Australia.

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Writing in his Times column, Wales' Rugby World Cup co-captain Jac Morgan was the sole Welshman in his starting XV.

Warburton also surprised many by including Bath tighthead Archie Griffin on the bench, following the 22-year-old's impressive performances for Wales in Australia this summer.

He also selected Wales hooker Dewi Lake among his replacements.

Despite Wales' nine consecutive Test defeats, the former Lions captain remains confident in their potential to contribute strongly to the Lions next summer.

Sam Warburton's 2025 Lions team:

15. Blair Kinghorn

14. Tommy Freeman

13. Robbie Henshaw

12. Sione Tuipulotu

11. Duhan van der Merwe

10. Marcus Smith

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Ellis Genge

2. Dan Sheehan

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. George Martin

5. Joe McCarthy

6. Ollie Chessum

7. Jac Morgan

8. Ben Earl.

Ben Earl of England celebrates after winning during the Guinness Six Nations Match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 9th 2024. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Replacements: Dewi Lake, Andrew Porter, Archie Griffin, Maro Itoje, Caelan Doris, Alex Mitchell, Finn Russell, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.