Farrell Names British & Irish Lions Squad to Face Argentina

⁢ ⁤ Updated June 19, 2025

Andy Farrell has announced his inaugural British & Irish Lions squad to face Argentina in Dublin.The lineup includes ⁣Marcus Smith at full-back, Tom Curry, and Sione Tuipulotu.

Smith steps in for Blair Kinghorn and⁢ Hugo Keenan. Maro Itoje captains the team, joined by Tadhg Beirne ‍in the ⁣second row. the back-row consists of Curry, Jac Morgan, and Ben Earl, while Henry Pollock, ‍age 20, is⁤ on the bench.

Tuipulotu will play at 13, alongside Bundee Aki at inside center. Duhan van der Merwe starts on the wing,despite limited recent play.

Ronan⁣ Kelleher is ⁢the onyl squad member who participated in either the URC or Premiership final last weekend.

Tadhg Furlong is on‍ the bench, allaying concerns about a calf injury.

Farrell said Maro Itoje has led the group well. He added that this ⁤match is an opportunity to show what the 2025 Lions are about and what they want to stand for as a team. He expects Argentina to provide a⁢ tough contest.

The Lions will begin their 2025 tour to Australia with this match⁢ against Argentina at Aviva Stadium. This marks the first time the Lions have played in Ireland, mirroring the 2005 match between the two teams in Cardiff. Following the game, the Lions will travel to Perth to face Western force.

What’s next

After the match against Argentina, the Lions will head to Australia to continue their tour, with‍ a game against Western Force scheduled in Perth.