**Wales’ Rugby Legends Set to Join “Other Lions” Tour in Australia This Summer**
Whilst the British & Irish Lions squad to face Australia this summer has been met with mixed emotions—particularly among Welsh rugby circles—fans can take solace in the fact that Welsh greats will still feature prominently on tour, albeit in a rather different capacity. Hot on the heels of Andy Farrell’s official squad announcement, another high-profile rugby line-up has now been assembled for the 2025 British & Irish Rugby Legends Series, bringing together some of the game’s most celebrated names.
The recently revealed Lions roster, led by head coach Andy Farrell and announced at the O2 Arena, contains only two Welsh players—Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams—reflecting the national side’s tough run of form in international Tests. Indeed, with Wales experiencing a severe drought of victories, the nation’s representation in the official Lions squad has fallen to its lowest point in nearly nine decades, sparking discussion among fans and pundits alike.
However, parallel to the main event, a second squad comprised of former international stars—dubbed the Rugby Legends—will head Down Under to rekindle old rivalries and showcase their enduring flair. Known as the Legends Series, this initiative first began over a decade ago and returns for 2025 in an expanded format. This time, a British & Irish Rugby Legends team will take on the Classic Wallabies across two eagerly-awaited matches.
Welsh supporters will be pleased to note that the Legends squad features six home-grown heroes. Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny, both favourites among fans, will be joined by Shane Williams and Alex Cuthbert to form a formidable back line. Rhys Gill and Andy Powell add experience and grit to the forwards, while former Ireland international Shane Byrne has been named captain, bringing additional leadership pedigree to the team.
The Legends line-up also boasts a strong presence from England, with 14 representatives in all, including well-known figures like Mike Tindall, Brad Barritt, and Matt Stevens. Ireland supplies six players to the squad, alongside five from Scotland, helping create a genuinely British and Irish assembly that promises exciting rugby irrespective of national loyalties.
Their Australian opponents are similarly star-studded, with legends such as George Smith, Matt Giteau, and Adam Ashley-Cooper all set to take the field. The two-match Legends Series will begin in Melbourne on Thursday, 24 July, followed by a clash in Sydney a week later, providing additional spectacle for the thousands of rugby enthusiasts set to descend on Australia for the main Lions tour.
This announcement carries extra significance given the context of Welsh rugby’s current fortunes. While the official Test squad offers limited opportunities for Welsh pride, the Legends Series ensures that the skills and spirit of Wales’ finest continue to attract attention on the international stage. For supporters starved of recent success, the involvement of these iconic figures is a welcome chance to reminisce about better times—and to celebrate the enduring legacy of Welsh rugby.
The 2013 staging of the fixture set a high bar, drawing 12,000 fans to the North Sydney Oval for an evening that blended nostalgia, camaraderie, and high-quality rugby. Organisers expect even greater interest this year, with Morgan Turinui, general manager of Classic Wallabies, predicting bumper crowds as thousands of Lions fans travel to Australia. “In 2025, we’re raising the bar with an expanded series that gives Australian supporters and visiting fans the chance to see rugby greats back in action,” said Turinui.
Jason Leonard, former England prop and ambassador for the Legends squad, also highlighted the charitable impact of the event. “Legends games bring out the very best of our sport, rekindling old adversaries and reigniting lifelong friendships,” he commented, noting that the series would also raise funds for causes close to the players’ hearts.
With its blend of nostalgia, athleticism, and international camaraderie, the Legends Series stands as a testament to rugby’s enduring appeal—reminding fans that, while squad selections and results may ebb and flow, the passion and pride of home nations like Wales are never far from the international spotlight.