Sir Clive Woodward's English Lions Selections: Slim Pickings from a Struggling Squad
01/05/2025 03:17 AM
England's legendary coach Sir Clive Woodward, who masterminded the 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, has named his ultimate British & Irish Lions XV—and his choice for captain is raising eyebrows.
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Captain Caelan Doris?
Woodward's skipper for the Lions? Ireland's dynamic No.8, Caelan Doris. Sharing his rationale in a Mail Online column, Woodward remarked:
“The 2025 Six Nations will be the acid test for Lions selection. However, based on the Autumn Nations Series, I would opt for Irish No.8 Caelan Doris as my Lions captain. He would form part of a strong Irish contingent in my team. Farrell should avoid picking a captain from another nation merely for appeasement.”
A Grim Outlook for English Rugby
Woodward didn't mince words when reflecting on England's current state:
“The brutal reality is that in the last four weeks, only a handful of England players have emerged as potential Lions starters. This highlights the dire state of English rugby on and off the pitch. Few players from the home nations have cemented themselves as Lions certainties, which is concerning.”
Scotland's Rise in Lions Contention
While English players may be struggling, Woodward predicts a stronger Scottish presence on the next Lions tour:
“Scotland's representation has often been underwhelming, but I'm confident that will change in Australia. Sione Tuipulotu is the standout inside centre, and his partnership with Huw Jones impressed. Gregor Townsend and Steve Tandy, who were assistants on the last tour, should be in contention again. Scotland looks like a very good team; they brushed Australia aside, a team that defeated England and crushed Wales.”
Sir Clive Woodward's Lions XV to face Australia
15 – Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
14 – Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
13 – Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
12 – Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
11 – Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
10 – Finn Russell (Scotland)
9 – Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
1 – Andrew Porter (Ireland)
2 – Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3 – Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
4 – Maro Itoje (England)
5 – Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
6 – Jack Willis (England)
7 – Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
8 – Caelan Doris (Ireland, captain)
Replacements: Dewi Lake (Wales), Ellis Genge (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Tomos Williams (Wales), Marcus Smith (England), James Lowe (Ireland).
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QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…
These “one-cap wonders” might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.
Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!
More Quizzes:
- Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
- Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
- Can You Name Every British & Irish Lions Captain Since 2001?
- Quiz: Can You Name the Top 10 Most-Capped Springbok Men's Players?
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