Sir Clive Woodward picks SIX England stars in his Lions XV – “Willis is the best player in Europe!”
Rugby NewsSaturday, 03 May 2025 at 06:56
With Andy Farrell just days away from unveiling his 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has revealed his own 37-man touring party to take on Australia — and it includes six England stars in his starting XV.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
Writing in the
Mail Online, Woodward didn't shy away from making big calls, including naming Maro Itoje as his tour captain, axing Owen Farrell, and putting faith in a number of bolters across the board.
“It is one full of talent and one certainly good enough to achieve a series win,” he said confidently. “The Lions to win 2-1.”
? Itoje for captain – Farrell axed
The biggest headline? No Owen Farrell.
Despite being one of the Lions’ most senior figures and the current England vice-captain, Woodward left him out altogether, citing his inconsistent season at Racing 92.
“My respect for him as a Test operator is through the roof,” he wrote. “But I don’t think you can justify him a place.”
Instead, Maro Itoje gets the armband. Woodward hailed his Six Nations form, calling him “in regal form” and backing him to bring a “different leadership voice” from the Irish-dominated group.
? Willis over world-class? Absolutely.
Jack Willis might not have pulled on an England shirt in over a year, but Woodward believes he simply can’t be ignored. His form with Toulouse? "Outrageous."
“He’s the best player in Europe for me… it’s ridiculous he’s ineligible for England anyway.”
Willis is one of six back-row picks, alongside Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris, who Woodward admitted was “disappointed to miss out on the captaincy.”
? Back-three brilliance – but fitness fears loom
Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn is Woodward’s starting fullback — despite currently being sidelined with a knee injury.
“He’s still my first-choice full-back pick.”
Kinghorn is joined in the back-three group by James Lowe, Duhan van der Merwe, Hugo Keenan, Tommy Freeman, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, whose inclusion comes with a caveat.
“If he is fit I think he has a point of difference that is worth gambling on.”
If Feyi-Waboso isn’t ready? Woodward says Mack Hansen, who has a tattoo of Andy Farrell on his leg, is next in line.
? England's centre crisis – and the Freeman fix
Four centres made the cut — all from Ireland and Scotland. No England representation in midfield, unless you count utility man Tommy Freeman, who Woodward says is “best long-term at 13.”
“It really sums up England's problem position.”
✂️ Marcus Smith lucky to make it? Not quite.
Marcus Smith is on the plane, but Woodward admits he might surprise a few.
“You might say Marcus Smith is fortunate… but I think he’s been harshly done by.”
Fin Smith is in too, with Woodward tipping him as a possible 12. He’ll go head-to-head with Sam Prendergast in this weekend’s Champions Cup clash, with Woodward describing it as a “fascinating battle.”
? Front row shake-up – Genge vs. Porter
Woodward was effusive in his praise for Ellis Genge, saying the England prop is “back to his best” and even added, “He’s a player I would have loved to have coached.”
Genge is in a three-way fight for the No.1 shirt with Andrew Porter and Pierre Schoeman, while Will Stuart gets the nod to start at tighthead, ahead of Tadhg Furlong, who has barely played all year.
Hookers? It’s Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, and Luke Cowan-Dickie, with Jamie George and Theo Dan missing out.
? The Lions XV – Woodward’s Test team for Australia
15. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
14. Tommy Freeman (England)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
1. Ellis Genge (England)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Will Stuart (England)
4. Maro Itoje (England, captain)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
6. Jack Willis (England)
7. Tom Curry (England)
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
14. Tommy Freeman (England)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
1. Ellis Genge (England)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Will Stuart (England)
4. Maro Itoje (England, captain)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
6. Jack Willis (England)
7. Tom Curry (England)
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Nigel Owens ranks the best rugby captains with surprise number one
Get ready for a surprising revelation from renowned rugby referee Nigel Owens, as he unveils his list of the top five captains he has officiated.
The popular referee selected his picks for Wales Online, but set out at the start that he wouldn't be picking any Welshman in his selection.
"I am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven’t refereed them in international matches.
"Anyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside."
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NIGEL OWENS: MY TOP 5 CAPTAINS
#5. Chris Robshaw (England)
The flanker is a former English rugby union player who captained the national team from 2012 to 2015.
Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw's dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.
Off the field, he is admired for his philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support various charitable causes.
Owens said: "Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."
#4. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)
He is a retired South African rugby union player who made a lasting impact on the international stage.
As a versatile back, he showcased his skills and leadership abilities as the captain of the Springboks from 2012 to 2015.
De Villiers' playing career spanned over a decade, during which he exhibited exceptional athleticism and a powerful presence on the field.
He was widely respected for his tactical knowledge, unwavering commitment, and ability to inspire his teammates.
De Villiers remains an influential figure in the rugby world and continues to contribute to the sport through coaching and commentary.
Owens said: "He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me."
#3. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw is a legendary New Zealand rugby union player widely regarded as one of the greatest openside flankers in the history of the game.
The flankers career was defined by his exceptional skills, relentless work rate, and unparalleled leadership abilities.
He captained the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.
Known for his ability to win turnovers and dominate the breakdown, McCaw's impact on the game was immeasurable. Beyond his playing career, he continues to be an influential figure, inspiring future generations of rugby players.
Owens said: "He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players.
"Maybe he will be at the top for many people.
"New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost."
#2. Paul O'Connell & Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
O'Connell is a former Irish rugby union player known for his towering presence and exceptional leadership skills.
As a lock, he captained Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, leading them to memorable victories. O'Connell's fearless competitiveness and humility made him a respected figure in the rugby community.
Meanwhile, O'Driscoll is an iconic Irish rugby union player and one of the greatest centres in the game's history.
His exceptional skill set, speed, and agility made him a constant threat on the field. O'Driscoll captained both Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Owens said: "I’m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper.
"O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell.
I found them excellent to deal with."
#1. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Dusautoir is a retired French rugby union player renowned for his incredible defensive skills and fearless tackling. As a flanker, he captained the French national team from 2009 to 2015 and was a key figure in their formidable defense.
The flankers physicality, tenacity, and ability to disrupt opponents' play made him a formidable force on the field. He earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2011.
Dusautoir's leadership and dedication to the sport have left a lasting legacy, inspiring aspiring rugby players around the world.
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was.
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