Sir Clive’s Lions XV: Woodward snubs big names in bold 2025 selection
Rugby NewsMonday, 12 May 2025 at 09:51
Sir Clive Woodward has nailed his colours to the mast early for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour – and he’s made a few calls that are bound to ruffle feathers.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
From sticking with Finn Russell at 10 (for now), to picking a 19-year-old rookie flanker, this is Woodward in full swing.
? "I'm still backing Finn Russell – but the heat is on"
The World Cup-winning coach isn’t budging on his pick at fly-half – yet.
“I’m sticking to my guns that Finn Russell should be the Lions Test No.10,” he insisted.
But even the ever-creative Scot can’t relax. Fin Smith, the Northampton Saints star, is roaring into contention.
“He’s had an amazing year, becoming England’s first-choice 10. Against Leinster, all the talk was about Henry Pollock – and rightly so – but Smith completely outplayed Ireland’s Sam Prendergast. Russell will know Smith is the coming force.”
? Ben Earl: From doubted to dominant
Woodward has been a vocal critic of Ben Earl in the past, but he’s done a full U-turn.
“I’ve been critical of Earl at times, but he has really grown into a player of true international and Lions stature.”
With Caelan Doris sidelined through injury, Clive sees Earl as the man to grab the No.8 shirt. He just edges Jack Conan, who he described as a "more specialist" option.
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? Pollock to start, Willis overlooked
One of the biggest shocks? No Jack Willis.
“I would have selected Jack Willis. With him absent, I’d start Pollock at 7 on current form.”
Yes – that’s Henry Pollock, the 19-year-old Saints flanker, getting the nod in a Lions XV. Talk about a fast track to the big time.
? Mitchell magic at 9
Another riser in Woodward’s eyes is Alex Mitchell, who the former England boss believes has now overtaken Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park.
“I’ve been so impressed with Mitchell, I think he can leapfrog Gibson-Park at scrum-half.”
? Sir Clive’s Lions XV (so far)
Backs:
Blair Kinghorn (Sco), Tommy Freeman (Eng), Huw Jones (Sco), Sione Tuipulotu (Sco), James Lowe (Ire), Finn Russell (Sco), Alex Mitchell (Eng)
Blair Kinghorn (Sco), Tommy Freeman (Eng), Huw Jones (Sco), Sione Tuipulotu (Sco), James Lowe (Ire), Finn Russell (Sco), Alex Mitchell (Eng)
Forwards:
Ellis Genge (Eng), Dan Sheehan (Ire), Will Stuart (Eng), Maro Itoje (Eng, capt), Tadhg Beirne (Ire), Tom Curry (Eng), Josh van der Flier (Ire), Ben Earl (Eng)
Ellis Genge (Eng), Dan Sheehan (Ire), Will Stuart (Eng), Maro Itoje (Eng, capt), Tadhg Beirne (Ire), Tom Curry (Eng), Josh van der Flier (Ire), Ben Earl (Eng)
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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.
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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.
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