Maro Itoje Named British and Irish Lions Captain for 2025 Tour of Australia
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Maro Itoje has made history by becoming the first Englishman in over two decades to captain the British and Irish Lions, as he leads the squad on their upcoming tour of Australia. The 30-year-old lock forward takes on the prestigious role, last held by an Englishman in 2001 when Martin Johnson led the side.
Itoje’s appointment, announced on Thursday at a live event in front of over 2,000 rugby fans at The O2 Arena in London, marks a significant milestone in his career. This will be his third Lions tour, having previously featured in the 2017 and 2021 editions. He only took on the England captaincy in January but has quickly proven himself a strong leader.
A seasoned international, Itoje has earned 93 caps for England over a nine-year career and recently led his national team to a second-place finish in the Six Nations Championship. His selection as Lions captain by head coach Andy Farrell underlines the respect he commands within the rugby world.
Wearing the full Lions kit and holding the team’s mascot, Bill the Lion, Itoje received a warm ovation from the crowd when he was announced as captain. “It’s a tremendous honor and a tremendous privilege,” he said on stage. “To be asked to lead such a historic team is something I don’t take lightly.”
Itoje shared that he first received the call from Farrell on Tuesday, though the conversation was briefly disrupted due to poor reception. Farrell had to call him back to properly offer him the captaincy, making the moment all the more memorable.
While Itoje was a leading contender for the role, his appointment was potentially influenced by the recent injury of Ireland captain Caelan Doris, who reportedly also vied for the position. Doris sustained a shoulder injury during Leinster’s match against Northampton and is expected to undergo a procedure that ruled him out of contention for the leadership position.
The British and Irish Lions are a composite team made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Lions are one of rugby’s most storied sides, and captaining them is considered one of the sport’s greatest honors.
Itoje now prepares to lead the squad in a demanding schedule that includes a total of nine matches. The tour officially kicks off on June 20 with a warm-up game against Argentina in Dublin before heading to Australia. Once there, the Lions will face six local sides — Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, an Invitational Australia and New Zealand XV, and a First Nations and Pasifika XV — in addition to the three-test series against the Wallabies.
The test matches against Australia are scheduled for July 19, July 26, and August 2. The Lions last toured Australia in 2013, where they triumphed in the test series. Since then, they have drawn against New Zealand in 2017 and suffered a series loss in South Africa in 2021.
Expectations will be high for the 2025 tour, especially with Itoje at the helm. Known for his athleticism, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership, he has long been regarded as a cornerstone of English rugby. Now, with the captain’s armband, he will seek to lead the Lions to another historic series win.
For rugby fans across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, all eyes will be on Maro Itoje and the Lions as they aim to write the next chapter in the team’s illustrious history.
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