Warren Gatland handed role for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour
Rugby NewsWednesday, 07 May 2025 at 20:41
Warren Gatland officially stepped down as Wales head coach during the Six Nations after overseeing a brutal 14-match losing streak.
The 61-year-old, who was under contract until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, departed by mutual consent, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
What did Gatland say?
In a statement, Gatland reflected on his decision to step away:
"I would like to thank the WRU board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and affording me the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament."
"We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change."
"I've reached the end of this particular chapter, but remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, the players who have played for me and all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years."
Gatland’s legendary Lions legacy
While his second stint with Wales ends in disappointment, Gatland remains one of the most successful coaches in British & Irish Lions history.
He led the famous touring side on three consecutive tours—beating Australia in 2013, drawing with New Zealand in 2017, and losing narrowly to South Africa in 2021. He was also part of the backroom staff under Ian McGeechan in 2009.
What’s next for Gatland?
Warren Gatland could be swapping the coach’s box for the TV studio, with RUCK sources revealing the former Wales boss is in talks with Sky Sports ahead of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour.
With his departure from the Welsh national team now officially confirmed, the Kiwi is expected to join Sky’s punditry lineup for the tour of Australia—where he previously led the Lions to a historic series win back in 2013.
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An official announcement is likely to land in the coming weeks, and he might not be the only big name joining the broadcaster. Fan-favourite England prop Joe Marler is also tipped to be part of Sky Sports’ coverage, promising a heavyweight punditry team for one of rugby’s biggest events.
EDITORS PICKS:
? Sam Warburton's 2025 Lions Squad: The England Contingent
? Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, Wing)
A breakout star before injury cut his season short, the Cardiff-born flyer qualifies for England through residency. Electric pace, dazzling footwork, and power in contact make him a game-changer. Warburton calls him “the best winger of the lot” — high praise indeed.
? Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, Wing)
The versatile back can slot in at fullback or wing, boasting serious size, speed, and composure. Freeman is a constant threat with ball in hand and has grown into a reliable option under Steve Borthwick.
? Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, Fly-half)
The former Worcester Warrior is one of the brightest 10s in the Premiership. Calm under pressure and a metronomic goal-kicker, Smith has earned rave reviews for steering Saints to the top of the table.
? Marcus Smith (Harlequins, Fly-half)
The most mercurial of England's playmakers. Smith has footwork, flair, and vision to unlock defences but can divide opinion with his risk-taking. Warburton sees the value in that magic.
⚡ Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, Scrum-half)
A sharp operator with a lightning pass and sniping runs. Mitchell thrives in quick ball scenarios and adds serious tempo to any attack — a modern scrum-half through and through.
? Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, Prop)
Nicknamed “The Baby Rhino” for good reason. Genge brings raw power, aggression, and leadership. A fan favourite and a core figure in England's forward pack.
? Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, Prop)
A dependable tighthead with massive scrummaging ability. Stuart’s work around the park often goes unnoticed, but he’s a cornerstone of England’s front row depth.
? Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, Hooker)
After injury setbacks, LCD is roaring back. Explosive, confrontational, and dynamic in the loose — if he stays fit, he’s a serious Lions contender.
? Maro Itoje (Saracens, Lock)
One of the modern greats. Itoje’s athleticism, lineout dominance, and disruptive presence at the breakdown make him a Lions lynchpin. Warburton even named him potential captain material.
? George Martin (Leicester Tigers, Lock)
Still just 23, but built like a veteran enforcer. Martin is physical, fearless, and hits like a freight train. Think of him as the Lions' future Alun Wyn Jones.
?️ Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, Lock)
Athletic, rangy, and relentless. Chessum covers lock and blindside flanker, offering a dynamic engine room option with excellent work rate.
? Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)
Though injuries have sidelined him recently, Curry remains one of the world's best opensides when fit. Relentless at the breakdown and rarely has an off day.
? Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)
Tom’s twin and an underrated star in his own right. Tough as nails, defensively sound, and a breakdown menace — he’s forced his way into this elite group.
⚡ Ben Earl (Saracens, Back row)
England’s best player in 2023, Earl brings explosiveness, agility, and relentless energy from the back row. He’s a line-break machine and defensive workhorse.
? Sam Warburton’s 40-man Lions squad for 2025
Fullbacks:
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Murray (Scotland)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Murray (Scotland)
Wingers:
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Centres:
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Fly-halves:
Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)
Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)
Scrum-halves:
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)
Props:
Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Hookers:
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Dewi Lake (Wales)
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Dewi Lake (Wales)
Locks:
Maro Itoje (England), George Martin (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland)
Maro Itoje (England), George Martin (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland)
Back rowers:
Tom Curry (England), Ben Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Tom Curry (England), Ben Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
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