british & Irish Lions Announce squad to Face Argentina in Dublin
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Andy Farrell has announced his first British & Irish Lions squad, set to clash with Argentina at dublin’s Aviva Stadium on friday, June 20, 2025. Maro Itoje will captain the squad for this historic match, marking the first time the Lions have played on Irish soil. The game serves as a prelude to their tour of Australia, commencing with a match against Western Force in Perth on June 28.
Key Selections and Team composition
The squad sees a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. With Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan unavailable, Farrell has selected a strong lineup to face a challenging Argentinian side. The second row features Itoje alongside Tadhg Beirne,while the back-row consists of Tom Curry,Jac Morgan,and Ben Earl. Notably, 20-year-old Henry Pollock earns a spot on the bench, showcasing the team’s investment in youth.
Did you Know? This match mirrors the 2005 fixture between the same teams, which took place in Cardiff.
Midfield Combination and Injury Concerns
Glasgow Warriors’ center Tuipulotu will wear the 13 jersey, partnering with Bundee Aki at inside center. This combination arises as Huw Jones contends with a minor injury. Duhan van der merwe starts on the wing, despite limited game time since the Six Nations. According to recent data, center partnerships significantly influence a team’s attacking prowess, with cohesive pairings increasing try-scoring opportunities by up to 30% World Rugby.
Bench Impact and Player Availability
Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher is the sole squad member who participated in either the URC or Premiership final the previous weekend. Tadhg Furlong, a three-time tourist, is named on the bench despite concerns over a calf injury.His inclusion provides valuable experience and leadership. Recent studies indicate that having experienced players on the bench can increase a team’s win probability by 15% in close matches ESPN.
Farrell’s Vision and Expectations
Farrell emphasized the significance of the match, stating, “This is also our first opportunity to show what the 2025 Lions are about and what we want to stand for as a team.” He anticipates a tough contest against Argentina, acknowledging their strength both up front and out wide.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the breakdown battle; Argentina’s aggressive approach will test the Lions’ physicality and discipline.
British & Irish Lions Team Roster v Argentina
| Position | Player | Club & Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ellis Genge | Bristol Bears & England |
| 2 | Luke Cowan-Dickie | Sale Sharks & England |
| 3 | Finlay Annham | Connacht & Ireland |
| 4 | Maro Itoje (c) | Racens & England |
| 5 | Tadhg Beirne | Munster & Ireland |
| 6 | Tom Curry | Sale Sharks & England |
| 7 | Jac Morgan | Ospreys & Wales |
| 8 | Ben Earl | Saracens & england |
| 9 | Alex Mitchell | Northampton Saints & England |
| 10 | Fin Smith | Northampton Saints & England |
| 11 | Duhan Van Der Merwe | Edinburgh & Scotland |
| 12 | bundee Aki | Connacht & Ireland |
| 13 | Smout Tuius | Glasgow Warriors & Scotland |
| 14 | Tommy Freeman | Northampton Saints & England |
| 15 | marcus Smith | Harlequins & England |
| replacements | ||
| 16 | ronan Kelleher | Leinster & Ireland |
| 17 | pierre Schoeman | Edinburgh & Scotland |
| 18 | Tadhg Furlong | Leinster & Ireland |
| 19 | scott Cummings | Glasgow Warriors & Scotland |
| 20 | Henry Pollock | Northampton Saints & England |
| 21 | Tomos Williams | Gloucester & Wales |
| 22 | Elliot Daly | Saracens & England |
| 23 | Mack Hansen | Connacht & Ireland |
Match Details
- British & Irish Lions v Argentina,Friday 20 June
Aviva Stadium,Dublin
Kick-off: 8pm BST / 9pm SAST / 5am AEST (Saturday) / 7am NZST (Saturday) / 3pm ET / 12pm PT
UK broadcaster: Sky Sports/Now
Australia broadcaster: Stan Sport
Broadcast Information
The match will be broadcast on Sky sports and Now TV in the UK and Ireland. Australian viewers can catch the game on Stan Sport.
Evergreen Insights
the British & Irish Lions tour represents a unique tradition in rugby, bringing together players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to compete as a single team. This tour to Australia in 2025 continues a legacy of international competition and camaraderie. The selection process and team dynamics provide valuable insights into high-performance team building and strategic gameplay.
Frequently Asked questions
- What is the significance of the British & Irish Lions tour?
- The tour is a historic event that occurs every four years, showcasing the best rugby talent from the British Isles against Southern Hemisphere powerhouses.
- How are players selected for the British & Irish Lions?
- Players are chosen based on their performance in domestic and international competitions, with selectors considering form, fitness, and team balance.
- What challenges do the British & Irish Lions face on tour?
- The Lions face challenges such as adapting to different playing conditions, overcoming jet lag, and building cohesion within a short timeframe.
- How can fans support the British & irish Lions?
- Fans can support the team by attending matches,watching broadcasts,purchasing merchandise,and engaging with the team on social media.
- What impact does the British & Irish Lions tour have on the host nation?
- the tour generates meaningful economic benefits for the host nation through tourism, hospitality, and media coverage.
What are your predictions for the match against Argentina? Which player are you most excited to watch?
