Will Greenwood selects his 37-man Lions squad, nine Englishmen included
03/30/2025 05:15 AM
The buzz around the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia is heating up after the first round of the Six Nations.
Will Greenwood has thrown his hat into the ring with an early squad that's sparking debate. As he puts it in The Telegraph:
“Here is my squad as it stands. Go to the Telegraph's squad selector tool to see if you can do better!”
From solid scrummagers to electrifying backs, here's Greenwood's initial take on who should be boarding the plane.
Props: Genge to Lead the Charge
Ellis Genge (England)
Greenwood believes Genge could be the heart of a captivating Lions narrative. The Englishman's edge and leadership qualities make him hard to overlook.
Andrew Porter (Ireland)
"Probably the best loosehead in the northern hemisphere over the past four years," says Greenwood. Only Cyril Baille has challenged his dominance when fit.
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Schoeman has been integral to Scotland's transformation under Gregor Townsend. Greenwood rates him as a cornerstone of their resurgence.
Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
A fan favourite of Greenwood's. He hails Fagerson as "the best footballer of all these props."
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Even in Furlong's absence, England fancy their chances against Ireland – which, according to Greenwood, speaks volumes about the tighthead's influence.
Will Stuart (England)
Quietly impressing for a while now, Stuart has made his mark. Greenwood feels he should've risen up the England pecking order earlier.
Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Stepping up admirably in Furlong's absence, Greenwood thinks there's every chance both Irish tightheads will make the tour.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Hookers: Ashman Set for Big Future
Ewan Ashman (Scotland)
"Aggressive, stylish, and destined for 70-80 caps," Greenwood tips Ashman as a future Scotland great.
Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
Kelleher may have lived in Dan Sheehan's shadow, but Greenwood highlights his contributions to Ireland and Leinster's success.
Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Integral to Ireland becoming the best team in the world, Sheehan remains one of the first names on Greenwood's list.
Second Row: Itoje's Experience Key
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Greenwood believes Beirne was a nailed-on Test starter a year ago and will be gunning for the same status in Australia.
Scott Cummings (Scotland)
An unsung hero for Scotland. Greenwood laments Cummings' injury-enforced absence, calling him "consistently excellent."
Maro Itoje (England)
Set for his third Lions tour, Greenwood sees Itoje's experience as indispensable.
Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
Described by Greenwood as a "big lump," McCarthy's physicality could be vital.
Will Rowlands (Wales)
Even in defeat, Rowlands showed his worth against France. Greenwood respects his power and Test-match experience.
Back Row: Doris to Captain?
Rory Darge (Scotland)
Drawing comparisons to Lewis Moody, Greenwood admires Darge's ability to disrupt and play on both sides of the ball.
Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Classy and composed, Greenwood likens Doris to Kieran Read and tips him as potential Lions captain.
Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
A natural ball magnet, Fagerson's ability to carry and influence play has impressed Greenwood.
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Greenwood calls him a "cube of a wrecking ball," highlighting his consistency across all areas of the game.
Jack Willis (England)
Thriving in the best team in the world, Toulouse, Willis is more than holding his own. Greenwood is convinced he's Lions material.
Jac Morgan (Wales)
After a standout performance against France, Morgan's relentless work-rate makes him a nailed-on pick in Greenwood's eyes.
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