Lions Tour: Team named for Brumbies clash as Farrell provides Test selection pointers

Maro Itoje returns to captain the British & Irish Lions against the Brumbies on Wednesday, leading a team that gives several hints as to Andy Farrell's thinking for the opening Test against Australia on July 19.

The Brumbies are given a 29-point start on the handicap but finished third in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific table, the highest of any Australian team, before losing out in the semi-finals, and they should be the Lions' toughest warm-up opponents.

Farrell was frustrated by the error rate in Saturday's 21-10 win over the Waratahs and has made 14 changes for Wednesday's game in Canberra, with Blair Kinghorn the only player retained as he moves across from the left wing to his preferred full-back role.

Tommy Freeman and James Lowe are the wingers, while Irish centres Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose look to be in the box seat to face the Wallabies after being selected outside half-backs Finn Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park.

Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong form the front row and Itoje locks in behind them alongside Joe McCarthy.

Ollie Chessum's line-out prowess and mobility get him the nod at blindside flanker. Tom Curry is on the openside and Jack Conan packs down at number eight.

After being a late withdrawal against the Waratahs, Henry Pollock returns to the bench alongside Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith and Mack Hansen, who grew up in Canberra and previously played for the Brumbies.

However, there is no place for Owen Farrell, who is instead expected to feature in Saturday's match against an Invitational AU & NZ selection in Adelaide.

The Brumbies beat the Lions 14-12 in 2013 and are 25-1 with BoyleSports to cause another upset in the Lions' penultimate preparation match before the first Test.

Lions team to play ACT Brumbies

British and Irish Lions: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Gibson-Park; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Joe McCarthy, 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Josh van der Flier, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Mack Hansen

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2025 British & Irish Lions Tour schedule

The British & Irish Lions play ten matches this summer and after beginning their schedule with a 24-28 defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Andy Farrell's side scored a half-century of points in wins over the Western Force and Queensland Reds since arriving in Australia.

However, they struggled to a 21-10 win over New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney and next face the ACT Brumbies in their penultimate warm-up match ahead of the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.

Here is the full itinerary:

Odds correct at time of publication.

2025 British & Irish Lions squad in full

Forwards: Tadhg Beirne, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Scott Cummings, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn, James Lowe, Alex Mitchell, Garry Ringrose, Finn Russell, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.

Read Jack Ogalbe's thoughts on the Lions squad

Where can I watch the 2025 Lions tour?

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia will again be shown live on Sky Sports.

Who is the captain of the Lions?

England forward Maro Itoje was named as the captain of the British & Irish Lions at May's squad announcement at the O2 in London. He is the first English captain of the Lions since Martin Johnson led them on the 2001 tour down under and only the third in 89 years.

Who is the Lions' head coach?

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was appointed as leader of the British & Irish Lions in 2024. Farrell, who enjoyed a stellar career in rugby league with Wigan, is currently head coach of Ireland, whom he has guided to two Six Nations titles. 

What is the betting for the 2025 Lions Tour?

Here are the latest odds for the British & Irish Lions' three-match Test series against Australia's Wallabies.

Odds correct at 11am on Thursday, June 26. Subject to change.

Read more ...

Jack Ogalbe: Ignore the Lions naysayers and strap in for an amazing summer 

Graham Woods: Instinct and experience key for Lions punters 

Lions Tour: Huw Jones and Alex Mitchell enhance Test claims in scrappy win over Waratahs 

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