Itoje Returns: Lions XV to Face Queensland Reds
- Maro Itoje will captain the British & Irish Lions in their match against the Queensland Reds.
- Irish players Jamison Gibson-Park and hugo Keenan are set to make their first tour appearances after recovering from injuries.
- Itoje partners with Ollie Chessum in the second row.
Maro Itoje steps up as captain as the British & Irish Lions prepare to clash with the Queensland Reds. Coach andy Farrell has rung the changes, making fourteen adjustments to the starting lineup for this crucial tour match, promising a dynamic contest. Key players, Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan, return from injury, ready to make their mark. This match marks a significant moment for the Lions, as they aim to build momentum and integrate new strategies.With Tomos Williams sidelined due to injury, the Lions face a test of their depth and resilience against a formidable Australian side. Read more on News Directory 3.What tactical masterstrokes will farrell unveil, and how will the lions adapt? discover what’s next for the Lions!
Itoje to Captain Lions Against Queensland Reds in Tour Match
Updated June 30,2025
Maro Itoje will captain the British & Irish Lions in their match against the Queensland Reds. Coach Andy Farrell has overhauled the lineup, making 14 changes from the previous game against Western force. Finn Russell is the lone starter remaining from that match.
Irish players Jamison Gibson-Park and hugo Keenan are set to make their first tour appearances after recovering from injuries. James Ryan, also from Leinster, is slated to debut for the Lions off the bench. The Lions face the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Andy Farrell makes 14 changes for Queensland Reds with Finn Russell the only survivor from Western Force
🌹Maro Itoje returns to skipper the side
☘️ Gibson-Park and Keenan start after injury, James Ryan on bench#lionsrugby pic.twitter.com/VnsLhSam0L
– Rugby World (@Rugbyworldmag) June 30, 2025
Itoje partners with Ollie Chessum in the second row. Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, and Jack Conan comprise the back-row.Tommy Freeman and Duhan van der Merwe join Keenan in the back three, while Bundee Aki and Huw Jones form the center partnership.
Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, and Will Stuart will start in the front row, all having come off the bench in the Perth match.
“We certainly know each game on this Tour will be a step up from the game before,” Farrell saeid. He added that he was congratulating the three players set to make their Lions debuts on Wednesday.
The Lions suffered a setback with Tomos Williams ruled out for the remainder of the tour due to a serious hamstring injury. Ben White is en route from Auckland to join the squad in Brisbane. Alex Mitchell is set to make his third consecutive appearance as scrum-half cover on the bench.
When the teams last met in 2013, the Lions won 22-10. Owen Farrell’s kicking performance proved decisive, despite the Reds scoring more tries.
What’s next
The Lions will face the Queensland Reds, with Farrell expecting a tougher challenge. The team aims to integrate new players and build momentum as the tour progresses.