Lions Selection Special: Stage Set for 2025 Squad Reveal at the O2

An Unlikely London Venue Turns into a Rugby Cauldron

The stage is set, the spotlight is ready, and the anticipation is building as rugby fans across Britain and Ireland brace themselves for one of the most talked-about days in the sport’s calendar: the unveiling of the 2025 British and Irish Lions squad.

On Thursday afternoon, in an unusual but oddly fitting venue — the 1,800-seater Indigo at The O2 in London — the grand reveal will unfold. Better known for hosting comedy gigs, podcasts and tribute acts, the space is being transformed into a high-drama theatre for rugby’s most prestigious announcement.

It’s being talked up as rugby’s answer to the NFL Draft — a mix of glitz, drama, fanfare, and hopefully, just a dash of controversy. The lights, the big screens, and the fans will all be there, but the true drama lies in the list itself: who makes the cut, who misses out, and who will wear the red jersey on this summer’s tour of Australia.

The Big Reveal: No Spoilers, Just Suspense

Maro Itoje Poised to Lead as Lions Captain

There are no leaks, no inside whispers — not even the players know who’s in. The only certainty is that when former Lions and Wales wing Ieuan Evans steps up to the mic at 14:00 BST, the guessing will finally stop.

Even the number of players is still up in the air. Will it be 37? 41? Somewhere in between? With the Lions set for a bruising three-Test series down under, the balance of flair and durability, form and experience will be key. Until then, the rugby world continues to speculate wildly.

Maro Itoje Poised to Lead as Lions Captain

One thing that now appears all but certain is the identity of the man who will captain the tour. With Ireland’s Caelan Doris suffering a shoulder injury during Leinster’s semi-final defeat to Northampton, Maro Itoje is in prime position to lead.

And it’s a decision that has the backing of former players. England and Lions scrum-half Matt Dawson gave a clear endorsement, stating: “There are a couple of absolute fundamentals for Lions captains. First, they must be nailed-on starters — and Maro is that, no question. Second, they must command total respect from players and coaches alike. Third, and more personally, he’s rediscovered his form and discipline this season. The captaincy has brought out the best in him.”

At 30, Itoje would complete a rare clean sweep — having now captained at club, country and Lions level — a remarkable arc for someone not known as a natural leader earlier in his career.

Russell’s Case at 10: Genius or Gamble?

Finn Russell

The battle for the number 10 jersey has always been a fiercely debated topic, and this time around is no different. Scotland’s Finn Russell has the edge in terms of Lions experience, having lit up the 2021 tour with a dazzling display in the third Test against South Africa. But questions linger.

His Six Nations form was inconsistent and the inclusion of Johnny Sexton — a long-time sceptic of Russell’s freewheeling style — on the coaching staff has raised eyebrows.

Still, not everyone is convinced that Russell will miss out. Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman is among those adamant Russell should start. “He’s the best attacking option by far,” Jackman told Scrum V. “And with Andy Farrell likely to take control of the attack, someone with Russell’s instincts and vision could flourish.”

Former Ireland wing Shane Horgan echoed the sentiment, saying Russell’s performances in 2021 should have silenced any doubters: “He was phenomenal. He should have played more. That’s the kind of quality you can’t leave behind.”

Sam Prendergast Stumbles at the Worst Time

Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast Former Lions wing Ugo Monye didn’t hold back

While Russell’s stock may be fluctuating, another young fly-half’s chances appear to have nosedived. Sam Prendergast’s defensive struggles were ruthlessly exposed during Leinster’s shock loss to Northampton. It was the sort of game that scouts circle, and unfortunately for the 21-year-old, it didn’t go to plan.

Former Lions wing Ugo Monye didn’t hold back, calling it “his worst performance of the season,” and highlighting Prendergast’s defensive liabilities. “He looked lost, and it’s hard to overlook that at this level.”

Alex Cuthbert went a step further, suggesting Northampton’s Fin Smith may have played his way onto the tour at Prendergast’s expense. “That was as close to a Test match as you’ll get in club rugby, and Fin Smith bossed it.”

Pollock Puts His Hand Up

If one player truly exploded into Lions contention this past weekend, it was Henry Pollock. The 20-year-old flanker was sensational in Northampton’s victory, combining raw power with remarkable stats — more tries and defenders beaten than any other forward in the Champions Cup, and more tackles and turnovers than any other player.

Danny Care was blown away: “He looked better than one of the best Irish back rows. He’s a proper 80-minute Test-level player. He might not start a Test, but you need players like him in your squad.”

Pollock’s inclusion now seems more likely than not. Shane Horgan summed it up simply: “Farrell can’t not pick him.”

Scrum-half Showdown: Williams or White?

Behind the scrum, the battle at number nine is just as tight. Jamison Gibson-Park and Alex Mitchell are likely shoo-ins, but the final spot could come down to Tomos Williams or Ben White.

Williams, in flying form for Gloucester and Wales, has made a compelling case. But White has one big advantage: his chemistry with Finn Russell.

Dawson leaned toward White: “The Russell-White combination is proven. But the Lions will want representation from all four nations, and that could work in Williams’ favour.”

Cuthbert, for his part, thinks Williams has more to offer off the field too: “He’s dry, funny, and lifts a room. Every tour needs a player like that.”

Marcus Smith: Victim of Versatility?

Few players have been harder to place in this squad than Marcus Smith. Brilliant for England last autumn, his form dipped, and a shift to full-back during the Six Nations has left many unsure about where — or if — he fits.

Danny Care, his Harlequins teammate, believes Smith’s versatility could be his ticket: “He’s the best one-on-one attacker from the back. With guys like Lowe or Van der Merwe on the wings, you need someone who can unlock them.”

But Horgan wasn’t convinced. “He’s dazzling, yes. But he’s not a specialist full-back and not one of the top three 10s for unlocking a backline. If you’re picking on form and structure, he may miss out.”

Final Thoughts Before the Curtain Rises

The buzz, the speculation, and the last-minute arguments are nearly over. Soon, the curtain will rise and the 2025 British and Irish Lions squad will be revealed in full — names etched in history, others left to wait another four years.

As ever with the Lions, it’s more than just rugby. It’s about legacy, pride, and stitching together four nations into one united force. The only question left is: who makes the cut?