**Rugby Round-Up: Lions’ New Captain Meets Welsh Legends, All Black Veteran Passes Away, and Welsh Prospects Assessed**
The world of rugby is brimming with anticipation and reflection today, as several significant stories shape the narrative around British and Welsh rugby. Chief among them is Maro Itoje, the newly designated British and Irish Lions captain, who met with distinguished rugby icons from Wales during a pivotal gathering, hinting at an evolving era for the storied touring side.
Itoje’s leadership was given an unofficial endorsement on Wednesday evening, as he broke bread with former captains in London. Among the notable names present were Welsh greats Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones—both of whom have led their country and the composite Lions side with distinction. They were reportedly joined by England’s Martin Johnson, Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll, and Scotland’s Gavin Hastings. According to sources, this dinner signals not just the ceremonial passing of leadership, but an opportunity for Itoje to glean wisdom from some of rugby’s most respected thinkers.
The highly anticipated official Lions squad announcement is scheduled for later today, with a live event at London’s O2. For the first time, fans will witness the revelations in real time, as former Wales and Lions wing Ieuan Evans calls out the names. Itoje is believed to be the only player on site, setting the stage for a special moment in the squad’s history as he is interviewed live alongside former captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Away from the fanfare of squad selections, the rugby community is also pausing to remember the late Bill McCaw, the last surviving player from the legendary 1953 Test between Wales and New Zealand. McCaw, who died at the age of 97 in Christchurch earlier this week, was part of the All Blacks side that fell to Wales in their last ever defeat to the Welsh. A stalwart back rower, he featured in 27 matches for his country and even captained the All Blacks on their northern hemisphere tour, a series that ended with both triumph and heartbreak.
McCaw’s passing marks the end of a living link to a golden era in Welsh rugby history. Following the death of Welsh prop Courtenay Meredith last year, McCaw had become the final player alive from the famous Cardiff fixture. Notably, he was a distant relative of modern All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, who once commemorated Bill’s 90th birthday with a memorable helicopter trip in the Southern Alps—a poignant symbol of the game’s enduring bonds across generations.
Turning to the future, speculation is rife about the representation of Welsh players in Andy Farrell’s new Lions squad. Odds from Welsh bookmaker DragonBet suggest expectations are modest: only Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams are seen as strong contenders to make the squad. Morgan, an Ospreys back-row, is almost considered a certainty, whilst Gloucester scrum-half Williams also has favourable odds. Other hopefuls, including three-time tourist Taulupe Faletau, are rated as outsiders, reflecting a transitional period for Welsh rugby.
The bookmaker places the highest likelihood on only two to four Welshmen being included in the 37-man touring party. This stands in contrast to previous years, when Welsh players regularly formed a substantial portion of the Lions squad. Director James Lovell acknowledges the shift, attributing it to recent performances, but highlights that Welsh interest in the Lions remains deeply rooted and unfaltering.
Meanwhile, player movements in the domestic and European game continue to attract attention. Leicester Tigers, facing the departure of both Handre Pollard and Jamie Shillcock, are reportedly interested in recruiting Scarlets fly-half Charlie Titcombe. The 23-year-old, who originally developed at Welford Road before heading to Llanelli, could return to help shore up the Tigers’ options at number 10. This latest transfer rumour comes hot on the heels of Wales international Gareth Anscombe’s move to Bayonne, quashing Leicester’s speculative interest in his services.
Today’s events promise significant developments on multiple fronts. The Lions’ squad announcement, memories of legendary clashes, and the evolving ranks of Welsh rugby underline both the continuity and change at the heart of the sport. As supporters look ahead, that keen sense of anticipation remains—reminding all of rugby’s unique power to unite, inspire, and remember.