Maro Itoje has been officially named as the captain of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 tour of Australia.
Maro Itoje, a 30-year-old lock and seasoned international from Saracens and England, becomes the first Black captain in Lions history and the first Englishman to lead the side since Martin Johnson’s famous stint in 2001.
The announcement was made by head coach Andy Farrell during a high-profile event at The O2 Arena in London, where the full 38-man squad was revealed. Farrell lauded Itoje’s consistency, leadership experience, and powerful presence on and off the field, emphasizing that the lock embodies the spirit and resilience the Lions will need to triumph down under.
“It’s a huge privilege to lead the Lions,” said Maro Itoje. “To captain this team, knowing the calibre of men who have come before me, is something I deeply cherish. I intend to give it everything and ensure we leave a mark in Australia.”
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Maro Itoje emerged as a generational talent while captaining the England U20 side to a World Championship title in 2014. Since making his senior England debut in 2016, he has become a mainstay in the team, collecting over 90 caps and becoming one of the most feared second-row players in the world.
With Saracens, Mara Itoje has clinched multiple Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s modern titans. He also starred in previous Lions tours in 2017 and 2021, playing all six tests against New Zealand and South Africa respectively and earning Player of the Series honours in the latter.
Off the field, Maro Itoje is widely respected for his intellect and activism. A graduate of SOAS, University of London, and holder of an MBA from Warwick Business School, he is deeply involved in educational advocacy through his Pearl Fund, supporting access to education in Africa.
Coach Farrell’s selection also features a blend of seasoned internationals and exciting new talent. Ireland leads the squad with the largest contingent, including players like James Lowe, Tadhg Beirne, and Jamison Gibson-Park. Scotland and Wales contribute several key figures, while England’s presence is headlined by Itoje, Freddie Steward, and Ben Earl.
One of the biggest headlines was the omission of Owen Farrell, the previous England captain, who is currently ineligible due to his move to Racing 92 in France. Another notable absence is Caelan Doris of Ireland, who was widely tipped for the captaincy before suffering a long-term injury.
The squad also features two Australian-born players.
The 2025 Lions tour will begin with a warm-up Test against Argentina at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on June 20 before the squad heads to Australia for a series of matches against elite Super Rugby opposition and representative sides.
Tour Schedule Highlights:
June 20: vs. Argentina – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
June 28: vs. Western Force – Perth
July 2: vs. Queensland Reds – Brisbane
July 5: vs. NSW Waratahs – Sydney
July 9: vs. ACT Brumbies – Canberra
July 12: vs. ANZ Invitational XV – Adelaide
July 19: 1st Test vs. Australia – Brisbane
July 22: vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV – Melbourne
July 26: 2nd Test vs. Australia – Melbourne
August 2: 3rd Test vs. Australia – Sydney
What’s Next for Maro Itoje and the Lions?
Maro Itoje now faces the monumental task of galvanizing a squad of fierce rivals turned teammates, across national lines, cultures, and playing styles.
He will be central in shaping the team’s identity, both as its on-field marshal and its off-field ambassador. Leadership camps and training camps will commence shortly, with tactical integration and injury management being top priorities ahead of the tour’s kickoff.
The Lions’ ambition is clear: to win their first series against Australia since 2013 and build on the rich legacy of unity and excellence that defines the red jersey. For Itoje, it is a chance not just to lead, but to redefine what leadership looks like in modern rugby.
Broadcast rights for the tour have been secured by Sky Sports in the UK, with full coverage of all tour matches including behind-the-scenes content expected to captivate rugby fans worldwide.
With a challenging schedule, a talented and diverse squad, and a leader of historic stature at the helm, the British & Irish Lions’ campaign in Australia promises to be one for the ages.
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