8 d. ago The Breakdown | The Lions will endure but who can we expect in the squad for 2029?

Ben Earl’s unambiguous backing shows how the tourists’ future could work even in a new world of rebel leaguesThe average worker bee, in the busiest months of the year, generally lives for up to seven weeks. Talk about a short and sweet existence. It is not dissimilar with British & Irish Lions tours. One moment players are winning a major series, the next their team abruptly ceases to exist. That’s all, folks, unless you can make the next trip in four years.That is a lifetime for many professional athletes, particularly those who routinely operate on a week-to-week basis and are about to enjoy a long-awaited summer break. So you would expect someone like England’s Ben Earl to roll his eyes and change the subject when asked if he would like to be involved in the scheduled next men’s tour to New Zealand in 2029. Continue reading...

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9 d. ago Lions squad take over Sydney bar and break into song as stunned fans watch on

Andy Farrell's men were in the mood for celebrating despite losing the final Test to the Wallabies

Politics

1 week ago Andy Farrell 'unbelievably proud' of Lions squad as 2025 tour ends in defeat

The tourists won eight of their nine summer outings

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3 w. ago Lions add Gregor Brown to squad with Joe McCarthy an injury doubt for second Test

Ireland lock withdrawn with foot problem in first TestOwen Farrell likely to start against First Nations & Pasifika XVThe Ireland lock Joe McCarthy is a doubt for the British & Irish Lions’ second Test against the Wallabies due to a foot injury. Andy Farrell has called up Scotland’s Gregor Brown to bolster his second-row ranks as a result, taking an already bloated squad to 45 players.McCarthy was taken off after 43 minutes of the Lions’ 27-19 victory over Australia in Brisbane on Saturday and Farrell confirmed his early withdrawal was down to injury. “It’s plantar fasciitis,” said Farrell. “It was niggling away at him there. We got him off. Hopefully we got him off in time.” Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago Andy Farrell calls up Scotland lock to British and Irish Lions squad as injury concern emerges before second Test

Joe McCarthy has emerged as an injury doubt before the Lions’ second Test against Australia

Events

3 w. ago Lions call up Scotland lock ahead of second Test as squad grows again

Gregor Brown will join the tourists party in Melbourne after featuring for Scotland in Auckland on Friday

Politics

3 w. ago Lions desperate for fast start in Test that will set the tone for Australia series

Talk is of a possible clean sweep for tourists but the onus is on Australia to make one or two Lions eat their confident wordsWhatever unfolds over the next three Saturdays this British & Irish Lions series will resonate more than its predecessor. Simply to see visiting fans in red jerseys wandering down Queen Street in central Brisbane is to be thankful the whole enterprise has a beating heart once again, in contrast to South Africa four years ago when a Covid-disrupted, spectator-free experience sapped everyone’s spirits.Because a Lions tour is nothing without a human element, enticed back every four years by the fabled steepness of the challenge. “This is our Everest, boys,” growled Jim Telfer back in 1997 and, as usual, the master coach was right. On only three occasions in the past 50 years has a Lions squad returned home triumphant and, for now, a series win remains the holy grail for the professional egg chasers of England, Ireland, Scotland and, if selected, Wa...

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3 w. ago Pete Samu leaves First Nations & Pasifika squad as Lions embroiled in eligibility row on eve of first Test

Samu had been due to feature for the invitational team in Melbourne next week but has been ruled ineligible for the game

Politics

3 w. ago Who is Michelle Agyemang? England striker who just equalised against Sweden in Euros quarter

The former Wembley ballgirl scored just 41 seconds into her England debut and is the youngest member of the Lionesses squad at Euro 2025

Events

3 w. ago Tonight's rugby news as Lions star hit with £12k bill and Farrell unmoved by Welsh wipeout

The latest rugby news on the evening headlines on Thursday, July 17.

Economics

3 w. ago Welsh wipeout in Lions squad for first time since 1896 reflects sorry decline

There will not be a single Welsh player in Saturday’s Lions squad for the first time since 1896, a huge downturn from eras pastWhen the British & Irish Lions last won a Test series in 2013, Leigh Halfpenny scored a record 49 points and fellow Wales international Sam Warburton captained the side to glory in Australia with Warren Gatland coaching. Twelve years on, for the first time since 1896, not a single Welsh player will be represented in the Lions’ matchday squad for Saturday’s first Test in Brisbane.Jac Morgan’s omission is a sign of rugby’s decline in Wales in recent years, a far cry from the glorious 1970s when household names like Gareth Edwards, Barry John and JPR Williams were indispensable figures. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Tommy Freeman reveals his Lions dream has proved costly after pledge to parents

The wing promised he fly his mum and dad – Sara and Cliff – Down Under in business class if he were to make the British and Irish Lions squad.

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3 w. ago Fans say the same thing about Andy Farrell's 'criminal' Lions selection

The decision means there won't be a single Welshman in the Lions squad for the opening Test with the Wallabies this weekend

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4 w. ago Tadhg Beirne starts in back row as Owen Farrell misses out on first Lions Test against Australia

No Welshman is selected in a Lions Test squad for the first time since the 1890s

Politics

4 w. ago The Itoje legacy: Nigerian roots shaped the Lions captain who has inspired a new generation

Maro Itoje’s rise to the very top of his sport brings both pride and idolisation from the British-Nigerian communityIt is 2017 and Maro Itoje has just been selected as the youngest member of the British & Irish Lions squad. He is asked for his favourite Lions memory and his response is illuminating. “Ugo Monye scoring his try in the third Test [against South Africa in 2009]. When you’re young and growing up, you look at players that look like you. And, by that, I don’t mean eyes, ears, nose, I mean who have the same skin colour, who you can identify with. Ugo is one I could identify with, as we’re both of Nigerian descent. To see him score that amazing try resonated with me.”On Saturday, when the Lions begin their series against Australia, Itoje will win his 100th Test cap. He is England captain, the first black captain of the Lions and the country’s most prominent rugby player. And you cannot help but wonder to what extent he himself has passed the torch. For there can be littl...

Politics

4 w. ago Owen Farrell expected to be left out of Lions squad for first Wallabies Test

Coach Andy Farrell likely to opt for Marcus SmithEngland’s Tom Curry to feature in back-rowOwen Farrell is expected to be omitted from the British & Irish Lions squad to face the Wallabies on Saturday in Brisbane.Farrell impressed in his first appearance of the tour last week but it is believed Andy Farrell is ready to overlook his son with Marcus Smith the likely beneficiary. Continue reading...

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last month How the Lions can boast three Aussies and All Black trio vs Australia in crunch opener

The British and Irish Lions squad features a host of players who hail from New Zealand and Australia as they prepare for the First Test against the Wallabies this weekend

Politics