British and Irish Lions: Maro Itoje becomes first English captain in more than 20 years ahead of Australia tour
Maro Itoje was presented on stage at The O2 in London, where head coach Andy Farrell named his squad for the 10-fixture tour.
Thursday 8 May 2025 20:33, UK
The British and Irish Lions squad has been named, with Maro Itoje becoming the first English captain of the squad in more than 20 years.
The 93-cap Saracens second row was presented on stage at The O2 in London, where head coach Andy Farrell named his squad for the 10-fixture tour.
In addition to being the first English captain since Martin Johnson in 2001, Itoje is the first ever black captain of the Lions.
After revealing he found out about the news on Tuesday when Farrell called him, the new captain said "it feels amazing".
"I'm deeply honoured, humbled and I'll do my best to do the role justice," he said. "I'm very much looking forward to the challenge ahead, it's going to be a great tour.
"I know the appetite amongst the players is extremely high, everyone is hungry to be a Lion and I can't wait to play my role."
Farrell turned to Itoje, who made six appearances on the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours, after he impressed while leading England during this year's Six Nations, helping his team finish runners-up.
What are the British and Irish Lions?
Essentially an all-star international rugby union team, the British and Irish Lions is a team made up of players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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They play every four years in a test series, with this year marking a return to Australia for three test matches and six other warm-up fixtures on tour.
The Lions last played on tour in South Africa in 2021, where they won one match and lost two in the test series.
Who's in and who's out?
Other additions to the 38-man strong line-up include test rookie Henry Pollock, who made his England debut at 20 years old this March.
He scored two tries off the bench during a record 68-14 Six Nations victory over Wales, and has performed well for Northampton in league play.
During a press conference on Thursday, Farrell said of Pollock: "When you see a player - doesn't matter what age - performing like he has.
"When people have been waiting to see whether he can do it in the big games, or week after week with consistency, et cetera, it's there for all to see really."
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Despite his father being the head coach and playing in the last three Lions tours, 33-year-old Owen Farrell has missed out on a call-up after an injury-hit season.
Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris has also missed out after injury, and was set to undergo surgery this week on a shoulder issue.