2025 British & Irish Lions Squad: Bookies' Predictions for the Tour
Yesterday at 06:42 AM
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
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Back-Three: Scottish Stars and Irish Firepower
Scotland's Duhan van der Merwe (1/16) is the closest thing to a certainty, while Ireland's James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5) are also heavily favoured. England's Tommy Freeman (4/9) is making a strong case, while Scotland's Blair Kinghorn (8/11) and Darcy Graham (2/1) could add versatility and attacking flair.
Centres: Aki and Lawrence Lead the Charge
Ireland's Bundee Aki (1/5) and England's Ollie Lawrence (1/4) seem nailed on, while Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu (2/7) looks like a strong contender. Ireland's Robbie Henshaw (8/11) will be hoping to stay fit and prove his worth once again.
Fly-Halves: Russell's to Lose?
Scotland's magician Finn Russell (1/10) is almost a lock for the squad, but England's rising star Fin Smith (8/15) and Ireland's young talent Sam Prendergast (8/11) are being heavily backed to join him.
Scrum-Halves: A Tight Race
Jamison Gibson-Park (8/11) leads the way for Ireland, but England's Alex Mitchell (11/10) and Scotland's Ben White (11/10) are in close contention for the remaining spots.
Forwards: Battle for the Pack
In the front row, Ireland's Tadhg Furlong (1/8) and Andrew Porter (1/7) are near certainties, while England's Ellis Genge (4/6) and young Fin Baxter (5/6) are well-fancied. Hooker spots are likely to be taken by Dan Sheehan (1/10), Jamie George (8/15), and potentially Luke Cowan-Dickie (6/5).
Maro Itoje (1/33) is the bookies’ biggest lock, with Tadhg Beirne (1/10) and Joe McCarthy (4/6) also well backed. In the back-row, Caelan Doris (1/5) and Ben Earl (1/5) lead the way, while Tom Curry (8/15) and Jack Morgan (4/6) are still in contention.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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