The Lions squad for the 2025 tour of Australia has been announced. Maro Itoje has been named as the captain, becoming the first person of colour to hold the armband. The England skipper emerged as the clear frontrunner for the role after Ireland’s Caelan Doris suffered a shoulder injury which has ruled him out of the tour.

England’s Maro Itoje said it was a “tremendous honour” to be named captain of the British and Irish Lions rugby union team on their upcoming tour of Australia as the squad was announced Thursday.

This summer’s British and Irish Lions tour is beginning to round into view and a major milestone on the road to Australia comes as head coach Andy Farrell names his squad.