Jack Willis and Owen Farrell could make a return to international rugby in 2025 after Andy Farrell confirmed that the British & Irish Lions selection criteria will not exclude overseas players.
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There had been speculation that the Lions coach might only select players based in the country they represent. However, Farrell was clear on the matter: “We’ll consider everyone if they can make a difference to the Lions touring party. That’s all that matters.”
When asked about his son Owen’s move to Racing 92, Farrell simply said, “It’s his choice.”
He continued, “Of course. There are no promises; it’s a short career. You want to do things that excite you and make your family happy.
“It’s all about the memories you create, not just for yourself but for others as well. For some, the idea of dedicating yourself to one club is incredibly special.
“Owen has that at Saracens, but if things do change – and I don’t know whether they will or not – it’ll be for the right reasons.”
Finn Russell keen to team up with Farrell for Lions
Scotland’s Finn Russell has expressed a desire to play alongside England’s Owen Farrell for the British & Irish Lions against Australia in 2025.
“I think we see the game differently, so there might be a bit of a clash, but I think we’re good enough mates to make it work and find some common ground,” Russell told the Daily Mail at a TNT Sports event.
“We’d have to strike a balance, but Farrell is a brilliant player, and I’d love to play with him. I don’t know if he’ll be there, or if I will be, but if we get the chance, I’d love to play with him—maybe even at Racing in a few years, who knows?”
Will Greenwood picks ‘pacy’ 2025 British & Irish Lions XV with Maro Itoje as captain
Back in 2021, England legend Will Greenwood turned his attention to the 2025 tour to Australia, highlighting the emerging young talents poised to make the XV.
eflecting on the future, Greenwood said, “The 2021 tour was captivating, but now it’s time to focus on 2025 and the young talents who could shine in Australia.”
Below, we revisit the team he selected after the 2021 tour.
Hugo Keenan (Ireland) Greenwood praises Keenan’s potential, foreseeing growth in wisdom and composure over the next four years, establishing him as a premier European full-back. “I love Keenan,” Greenwood remarks. “After another four years of Irish rugby, he will be wiser and more composed; the leading European full-back.”
Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) Despite limited opportunities in South Africa, Greenwood sees Rees-Zammit’s electric pace as a game-changing asset, honed through standout performances for Gloucester and Wales. “In the short periods he did feature, you could tell there was a star in the making,” Greenwood notes.
Garry Ringrose (Ireland) Highlighted for his innate class and defensive prowess, Ringrose aims to seize his last chance at Lions selection in 2025 after enduring injuries and fluctuating form. “He is an inherent class act who defends astutely and runs devilish angles,” Greenwood observes.
Cameron Redpath (Scotland) Expected to return to top form post-injury, Redpath’s standout performances for Scotland mark him as a potential key figure in the midfield. “I expect him to return to that sort of form when he returns to full fitness,” Greenwood predicts.
Adam Radwan (England) Greenwood champions Radwan’s inclusion, citing his explosive debut season and undeniable talent, suggesting that age should not hinder selection if ability shines through. “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” Greenwood asserts.