English Second-Row Forward Maro Itoje Assumes Captaincy Role for British and Irish Lions, Marking Over Two Decades since Last English Captain for the Australia Tour.
The Lions Pick a New Captain: Maro Itoje Steps Up
Get ready, rugby fans! The British and Irish Lions have named their squad for this year's tour, and there's a big twist - Maro Itoje is not only a member but the first English captain in over two decades.
This second-row powerhouse from Saracens was presented on stage at The O2 in London, where head coach Andy Farrell announced his squad for the 10-match tour. Itoje's captaincy is historic, not just because he's English, but because he's the team's first ever black captain.
"I'm deeply honored, humbled, and I'll do my best to do the role justice," Itoje said when he found out the news from Farrell. The new captain is pumped about the challenge ahead, promising it'll be a fantastic tour with an extremely high appetite among the players.
Farrell chose Itoje for the prestigious role after the 93-cap player impressed during the 2025 Six Nations while leading England to a runner-up finish.
What Are the British and Irish Lions?
The British and Irish Lions might sound like a super-team from a comic book, but they're much cooler. This all-star rugby union squad represents the four Home Nations: England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Ever four years, the Lions play a test series, and this time around they're heading to Australia for three test matches and six additional warm-ups. The Lions last toured South Africa in 2021, winning one match but losing the series 2-1.
The Squad: New Faces and Familiar Mugs
Joining Itoje on the squad is another debutant, Henry Pollock. The England rookie made a splash at 20, scoring two tries off the bench during a record win against Wales in the Six Nations. Pollock has impressively continued to perform well for Northampton in league play.
Sadly, big names like Owen Farrell and Caelan Doris won't be joining the team due to injury woes. Farrell, whose father is the head coach and played in the last three Lions tours, has had an injury-plagued season, while Doris was set to undergo surgery on a shoulder issue.
A Legendary Team, Drawing Energy from the Past
The British and Irish Lions have been a beacon of unity and camaraderie in the rugby world since 1888. Each tour represents a unique blend of the four Home Nations' incredible talent, with selection often viewed as the pinnacle of achievement for many players.
The Lions embody values like selflessness, clarity, and resilience, illustrating the power and spirit that can be achieved when rivals come together for a common goal. The upcoming tour to Australia is set to be another thrilling chapter in the Lions' rich history.
Despite the upcoming rugby tour by the British and Irish Lions being focused on Australia, Maro Itoje's passion for football is evident as he expressed his excitement for the tour, comparing it to the high-stakes matches of the European leagues, particularly the Premier League. In the midst of this all, Itoje, the newly crowned captain, revealed his aspirations to bring the same level of unity, resilience, and determination to the rugby pitch, as seen in the universal camaraderie and spirit displayed by football clubs across Europe.
