Maro Itoje has been named as Lions skipper for the 2025 tour of Australia, taking on one of rugby’s greatest honours.The England lock has steadily grown into leadership roles at Saracens and under Steve Borthwick.
Welsh influence is at its lowest in the post-war era.
Only Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams made the cut—sobering for a proud rugby nation with a rich Lions legacy.
Welsh influence is at its lowest in the post-war era.
Only Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams made the cut—sobering for a proud rugby nation with a rich Lions legacy.
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00:00Sat under the Girona sun last October, Mario Itoje calmly fielded questions about a potential
00:09British and Irish Lions captaincy, carefully saying little while hinting at plenty.
00:15It's an ambition of every British and Irish player to wear that red jersey, he said, with
00:20his usual poise.
00:22Fast forward seven months and Itoje has been named as Lions skipper for the 2025 Tour of
00:28Australia, taking on one of rugby's greatest honours.
00:32The England lock has steadily grown into leadership roles at Saracens under Steve Borthwick.
00:38And now in a rare move, only three Englishmen have ever led the Lions.
00:44Since 1936, Itoje follows legends Bill Beaumont and Martin Johnson in leading the famous Tourists.
00:51Like Johnson, he leads by example, demanding the highest standards from himself and others,
00:59shaped by a relentless Saracens culture.
01:03His elevation was aided by form and timing.
01:06A strong Six Nations combined with Caelan Doris' unfortunate injury left few viable alternatives.
01:13Crucially, Itoje is not just the captain.
01:16He's one of the Lions' best players, rising to the occasion on both previous tours in 2017 and 2021.
01:26Welsh influence is at its lowest point in the post-war era.
01:30Only Jack Morgan and Thomas Williams made the cut, sobering for a proud rugby nation with a rich Lions legacy.
01:37Morgan's timeless efforts in a struggling Wales team made him impossible to ignore,
01:44while Williams' fine form at Gloucester sealed his place.
01:48Blair Murray tipped as a potential bolter, was overlooked,
01:53but his player of the match, showing for the Scarletts against the Lions in Johannesburg, may yet earn him a late call.
02:00Coach Andy Farrell hinted at openings still to be filled, urging hopefuls to stay fit.
02:07The Lions are changing and Itoje stands ready to lead the next chapter.