England lock Maro Itoje will captain the Lions on his third tour, starting in Australia this June
Maro Itoje will be unveiled on Thursday as the British and Irish Lions captain for the 2025 tour of Australia, becoming the first Englishman to hold the role since Martin Johnson led the famous side in 2001.
The 30-year-old Saracens lock, long regarded as one of the finest forwards in world rugby, will lead a 40-man squad picked by head coach Andy Farrell. The announcement will take place live at the O2 Arena in London, where Itoje will be the only player from the touring party present. The rest of the squad will learn of their selection at the same time.
This marks Itoje’s third Lions tour, following previous campaigns in 2017 and 2021. However, this time he assumes the leadership after a resurgence in form and responsibility, having captained England to second place in the 2025 Six Nations, their best finish in years.
With Ireland captain Caelan Doris ruled out for the summer due to shoulder surgery, Itoje became the standout option for Farrell, who coached him closely as part of the England setup in recent years. The combination of experience, performance, and recent leadership success made the decision inevitable.
“He has gone from a certainty in the team to rediscovering his best form,” said former Lions scrum-half Matt Dawson. “The captaincy has given him a new lease of life. He’s ready.”
Itoje’s route to the top has not been without challenges. Former England coach Eddie Jones previously questioned his leadership potential, citing discipline and temperament. But Itoje has matured dramatically, finding a balance between his famed aggression on the pitch and a more composed presence off it.
His performance in the recent Six Nations, where he marshalled a young England side through tight contests and standout wins, was a turning point. His authority, communication, and relentless energy reminded many of the player who burst onto the scene a decade ago.
The Lions tour begins with a warm-up against Argentina in Dublin on 20 June, before the squad flies to Australia to face Western Force in Perth on 28 June. The eagerly awaited three-Test series against the Wallabies begins on 19 July in Brisbane, with further matches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Itoje’s appointment has also been welcomed as a unifying figure for the squad, one expected to feature a blend of English, Irish, Welsh, and Scottish talent. His experience in previous tours, including the intense 2-1 defeat in New Zealand in 2017 and the drawn series with South Africa in 2021, will prove invaluable.
“This is Itoje’s time,” said BBC Rugby Correspondent Chris Jones. “He has the respect of his peers, of officials, and of the opposition. And crucially, he is guaranteed a Test shirt if he remains fit.”
The Lions face a Wallabies side under new management, seeking redemption after recent struggles. For Itoje and Farrell, the challenge is immense—but so is the opportunity.
This appointment is a powerful statement. In an era when leadership is scrutinised more than ever, Maro Itoje’s journey from dominant young star to statesman-like leader could define this Lions tour. If he succeeds, he joins a pantheon of greats—Johnson, O’Connell, Warburton—who have left their mark in red.
