**Sam Warburton Predicts the Lions: Five Welsh Stars and a Big Selection Gamble**
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has revealed his thoughts on the upcoming Lions squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, finding space for five Welshmen in his line-up. Warburton, who led the Lions on their victorious Australian tour in 2013, has shared his selections just days before current Lions coach Andy Farrell is set to unveil the official touring party in front of over 2,000 supporters at London’s O2 Arena.
In his recent column for The Times, Warburton acknowledged the speculation that this year’s Lions contingent could see the fewest Welsh players since the war. The lowest previous number for a post-war tour dates back to 1993, when only five Welsh representatives travelled to New Zealand. This year, the hype has swirled that Wales might struggle to meet even that low mark, reflecting the team’s challenging period in international rugby.
Despite these concerns, Warburton has endorsed some familiar faces in his 40-man squad. Notably, he has included Jac Morgan, seen by many as Wales’ leading candidate for a Lions cap after a series of impressive performances. Gloucester scrum-half Tomos Williams, who faced criticism during a tricky Six Nations campaign, also makes the cut. Warburton clearly believes Williams has the skillset and temperament to thrive under the intense pressure of a Lions tour.
In addition, hooker Dewi Lake and seasoned No. 8 Taulupe Faletau are featured in Warburton’s list. Lake, who has battled for the third hooker’s slot against England’s Jamie George, was chosen for his outstanding physicality around the park. Warburton commented, “When he is fit, his physicality in the loose is exceptional. In that regard, he is so similar to Luke Cowan-Dickie.” His endorsement of Lake is likely to spark debate, with stiff competition for places in the front row anticipated when the real squad is announced.
Faletau, meanwhile, has earned praise for his recent display for Cardiff against Munster. Warburton was quick to note, “Few players have as many x-factor moments as him.” Despite spells on the sidelines in recent seasons, Faletau’s enduring class and crucial contributions remain evident – qualities that the Lions will need against a resurgent Australian side.
One of the more eye-catching inclusions is Scarlets full-back Blair Murray, a relatively new face in the national set-up who debuted for Wales last autumn. Although his selection came as a surprise to some, Warburton believes Murray’s attacking flair could light up the Lions’ back three. “He is a seriously exciting runner who will just thrive in a Lions environment,” the former captain explained, highlighting the need for unpredictable, dynamic players in the squad.
Reflecting on the overall squad make-up, Warburton was also candid about the “gamble” he would take in terms of selection. He advocated for the inclusion of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the England winger born in Cardiff, even though he has been sidelined by injury since December. “For me, when fit, Feyi-Waboso is the best winger of the lot and even if he cannot make the very start of the tour, I would take that gamble,” said Warburton. Such a bold suggestion underlines the value he places on out-and-out game-breakers, even if their availability is uncertain.
The issue of tour captaincy was also addressed, with Warburton expressing indifference between Ireland’s Caelan Doris and England’s Maro Itoje, both world-class talents with leadership qualities. However, an injury to Doris may well have simplified Farrell’s decision before the official announcement.
As anticipation intensifies ahead of the squad reveal, Warburton’s selections provide valuable insight into the balance and blend required for success on what promises to be another fiercely contested Lions tour. The inclusion of a core group of Welsh players, despite the nation’s current rugby fortunes, may offer hope that the red jersey will still be seen in force down under.