British & Irish Lions 2025 Squad: Key Players and Strategies for the Australia Tour

British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has announced a 38-man squad for the highly anticipated summer tour of Australia. This tour promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing some of the best talent from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Full-backs

• Hugo Keenan (Ireland, Leinster, Age: 28): Keenan has regained his starting position as Ireland's full-back after representing his home nation at the Paris Olympics. Under Farrell's management, he has started 33 out of 36 matches for Ireland.
• Blair Kinghorn (Scotland, Toulouse, Age: 28): The versatile back is the only France-based player in the squad, having won the Top 14 and Champions Cup last year.

Wings

• Elliot Daly (England, Saracens, Age: 32): Daly brings a wealth of experience to the Lions on his third tour. His versatility and long-range goal-kicking make him a valuable asset.
• Tommy Freeman (England, Northampton Saints, Age: 24): Freeman has continued to shine since his debut for England in 2022, including a hat-trick in the Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster.
• Mack Hansen (Ireland, Connacht, Age: 27): The Australia-born wing will return to his native country to represent the Lions, bringing his thrilling Six Nations form.

Centres

• Bundee Aki (Ireland, Connacht, Age: 35): Aki, nominated for World Rugby player of the year in 2023, returns to Lions duty hoping to build on his 2021 tour experience.
• Huw Jones (Scotland, Glasgow Warriors, Age: 31): Jones scored a hat-trick in Scotland's opening win of this year's Six Nations against Italy.
• Garry Ringrose (Ireland, Leinster, Age: 30): Ringrose finally gets his call-up to the British and Irish Lions after being edged out in previous tours.

Fly-halves

• Finn Russell (Scotland, Bath, Age: 32): Russell, Scotland's main creator, is packing his bags for another Lions tour after being part of the two previous trips.
• Fin Smith (England, Northampton Saints, Age: 22): Smith guided Northampton to Premiership success last season and has been a standout performer for England.

Scrum-halves

• Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland, Leinster, Age: 33): Gibson-Park has been a figurehead of Ireland's attack in recent years and will be a strong frontrunner for the number nine shirt.
• Alex Mitchell (England, Northampton Saints, Age: 27): Mitchell scored the match-winning try against Bath in last year's Premiership final and is a sharp scrum-half.

Back Rows

• Jack Conan (Ireland, Leinster, Age: 32): Conan was a surprise starter in all three Tests against South Africa in 2021 and has been used effectively by Farrell for Ireland.
• Tom Curry (England, Sale Sharks, Age: 26): Curry battled back from a career-threatening hip injury to regain England's number seven jersey.

Second Rows

• Tadhg Beirne (Ireland, Munster, Age: 33): Beirne, who plays at blind-side flanker or in the second row, has been one of Farrell's go-to starters for Ireland.
• Ollie Chessum (England, Leicester Tigers, Age: 24): Chessum is comfortable at blind-side flanker or at lock, with his line-out ability making him a regular under Borthwick.

Hookers

• Luke Cowan-Dickie (England, Sale Sharks, Age: 31): Cowan-Dickie featured in all three Tests four years ago and scored in the Lions' opening Test win over South Africa.
• Ronan Kelleher (Ireland, Leinster, Age: 27): Kelleher was called up to train with the Lions in 2021 and again linked up in South Africa as extra cover.

Props

• Zander Fagerson (Scotland, Glasgow Warriors, Age: 29): Fagerson continues to be a vital part of Scotland's front row, playing the full 80 minutes against France and 76 minutes against England in this year's Six Nations.
• Tadhg Furlong (Ireland, Leinster, Age: 32): Now a three-time tourist, Furlong has started the past six Lions Tests and brings a wealth of experience.

This squad is a blend of experienced Lions tourists and exciting new talents, all ready to take on the challenge in Australia. With Andy Farrell at the helm, the Lions are poised for a memorable tour.