The Andy Farrell era with Ireland has officially been put on pause, not because of the Autumn tests, but because now the beloved Englishman is set to take on a new mantle - Lions head coach.
Ireland and Scotland will be happy with their Autumn efforts, but despite England and Wales’ misfortunes, all four countries look set to have representatives in our touring squad.
But who should make the starting XV? Here is a look at our form Lions selection.
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2025 British and Irish Lions squad prediction
Forwards
1: Andrew Porter
First name by number and one of the first by stature. The Leinster loosehead is in fine form and is likely to finally win a Lions test cap following his 2021 injury heartbreak.
2: Dan Sheehan
If Andy Farrell could wish upon a star in any position, it would probably be at hooker. Dan Sheehan’s long-term injury means we are hoping he bounces back successfully come 2025, but if not, England’s Jamie George would be an obvious candidate to fill in for the world-class Sheehan.
3: Tadhg Furlong
The next man listed who didn’t feature this Autumn is another former Lion. The Wexford man starred on the 2017 and 2021 tours, and despite Zander Fagerson’s resurgence in form; he’s the only one man for the starting role.
4: Maro Itoje
Rugby fans can often be guilty of overlooking Maro Itoje’s abilities in the post-Saracens era, but he is flying it at the moment. The now 30-year-old lock will tour for the 3rd time should fitness allow it, and he should be a guaranteed starter too.
5: Tadhg Beirne
Despite deputising primarily at flanker this past month, Munster captain Tadhg Beirne is a world-class lock who is primed to partner Itoje in the engine room. He could be an outside bet for captaincy too should Caelan Doris not get it.
6: Chandler Cunningham-South
A first “bolter” by Andy Farrell standards, young Harlequins prodigy Chandler Cunningham-South would be the perfectly abrasive flanker Farrell loves in his back row.
7: Ben Earl
A third Saracens forward features next in the ever-impressive Ben Earl. He can play across the back row, but given our choice for number eight below, accommodations had to be made.
8: Caelan Doris (capt)
Leinster captain, Ireland captain, World Men’s Player of the Year nominee, and Lions captain? All the signs as of now point to Ballina man-turned-Blackrock alumni Doris stepping into the starting shirt and leadership mantle.
Backs
9: Jamison Gibson-Park
Starting off the backline is a third Leinster man, and fourth Irish star. Jamison Gibson-Park is arguably the best scrum-half in the world not named Antoine Dupont, and a near guarantee to tour given the quality of nines eligible.
10: Finn Russell
Like the scrum-half berth, out-half should also be a slam dunk. Scotland’s imperious, maverick number 10 Finn Russell is excelling with Johann van Graan’s Bath, as well as with Scotland; and has to be favourite as it stands.
11: James Lowe
Moving onto one of the tightest calls in the squad, we have gone tribal and backed James Lowe over Duhan van der Merwe. Lowe’s renowned kicking game and stronger defensive acumen have to give him the nod ahead of the Scotland poacher.
12: Bundee Aki
Another marginal call at centre, where Glasgow cult hero Tuipulotu gets pipped at the post by Bundee Aki. The Connacht star looks to be finding form at just the right time heading into the busiest portion of the season.
13: Garry Ringrose
Another Irish centre does make it into the midfield pairing, in first-time Lion Garry Ringrose. The 29-year-old centre was one of Ireland’s standouts in a stodgy Autumn campaign and would make for a fun midfield axis with Aki and Russell.
14: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
The youngest player on the team sheet, the 21-year-old speedster has bolted into contention this year. An impactful Six Nations after switching allegiance to England was followed by historic Summer and Autumn windows where he scored five times in six games.
15: Blair Kinghorn
Rounding out the squad is a Toulouse star in flying form. Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn has found a new gear since his move to France and will be keen to use his strong kicking and distributing game as means of keeping a playmaking 10-12-13-15 axis possible.
Replacements:
Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Zander Fagerson, Joe McCarthy, Rory Darge, Ben White, Owen Farrell, Huw Jones
Remaining squad:
Dewi Lake, Pierre Schoeman, Will Stuart; George Martin, James Ryan; Jac Morgan, Jack Willis, Josh van der Flier.
Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith; Robbie Henshaw, Sione Tuipulotu; Duhan van der Merwe, Mack Hansen, Darcy Graham, George Furbank, Hugo Keenan
Injuries, form, coaching selections and club or country heroics will change the conversation as time goes on, but despite a mixed Autumn, there are plenty of options for Andy Farrell to choose from.
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