Nigel Owens selects two Welshmen in his British & Irish Lions XV

01/01/2025 03:01 PM

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, legendary referee Nigel Owens has tipped two Welsh stars to feature prominently.

Writing in his column for the Wales Online, Owens singled out Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan as players who could make the Lions XV when the squad is selected later this year.

Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

The Lions' tour will include warm-up matches and a highly anticipated three-Test series against Eddie Jones' Wallabies, played in iconic venues across Australia, such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Dewi Lake: Leadership and Power

Owens reserved high praise for Dewi Lake, who captained Wales during their recent autumn campaign. Despite a challenging run for the team, Lake impressed with his leadership and all-around play. Owens wrote:

"Dewi Lake was fantastic as captain and Jac Morgan showed his class too – if the Lions squad was being picked tomorrow, those would be the first two names on the teamsheet as far as I'm concerned."

Lake's impact in the set-piece and his ability to lead by example have made him a standout figure, and his credentials for Lions selection are hard to ignore.

Jac Morgan: A Future Lions Star

Flanker Jac Morgan also earned glowing praise from Owens, who highlighted his consistent performances in Wales' back row.

"Jac Morgan showed his class too – if the Lions squad was being picked tomorrow, those would be the first two names on the teamsheet as far as I'm concerned," Owens remarked.

Morgan's work rate and defensive brilliance have made him one of Wales' most reliable players in a transitional period, and he looks set to play a key role in the Six Nations.

James Botham and Wales' Depth Issues

While Owens focused on Lake and Morgan as Lions candidates, he also highlighted James Botham for his efforts during the autumn campaign, particularly against South Africa.

"James Botham was also immense against South Africa, so we certainly have quality there," he noted.

However, Owens was candid about the broader issues facing Wales:

"It's our strength in depth that is the problem, it's just not the same as it was a few seasons ago and so, while it has been said a lot, it is true that this is a rebuilding process. Obviously, people weren't expecting that to mean going so long without winning a game, but I am hopeful that we can break that run at the Six Nations and kick on from there."

The Lions Tour 2025: A Rugby Spectacle

The Lions squad will be named later this year, and the tour promises to be one of the highlights of the rugby calendar. With matches in some of Australia's most iconic stadiums, including Sydney's Accor Stadium and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, fans can expect intense clashes as the Lions aim to avenge their narrow 2021 series loss to South Africa.

Owens' endorsement of Lake and Morgan will resonate with Lions selectors as the countdown continues. If these two Welsh stars maintain their current form, they could be central figures in the Lions' quest for glory Down Under.

EDITORS PICKS:

• Steve Borthwick will depart England at the end of his contract
• Alun Wyn Jones named the toughest opponent of his incredible career
• Statement: England and Saracens star handed SIX week ban
• All Blacks Legend Became First New Zealand Rugby Star to Come Out as Gay

Rugby’s Five Richest Couples:

5. Johnny and Laura Sexton – £6m

Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby's wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin's Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny's rugby career.

4. Siya and Rachel Kolisi – £10m

With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter. Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the “rock” Siya has always called her.

Though the Kolisis' marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa's most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

3. Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

2. Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.

1. Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.

The post Nigel Owens selects two Welshmen in his British & Irish Lions XV appeared first on Ruck.