Warren Gatland Names His Ultimate Lions XV – And One Nation Stands Out
Renowned rugby coach Warren Gatland has revealed his definitive British and Irish Lions Test team from the four southern hemisphere tours spanning 2009 to 2025, astonishing many with the pronounced presence of Welsh talent in his selection.
The British and Irish Lions – one of rugby union’s most celebrated traditions – bring together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales for tours against powerhouses like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Historically, the composition of the Lions squads has sparked significant debate, reflecting the shifting strengths and fortunes of the home nations over time.
Gatland, whose own coaching legacy is closely entwined with both Wales and the Lions, has participated in four successive tours since 2009: initially as an assistant, then as head coach in 2013, 2017, and 2021, as well as influencing squad discussions around the 2025 campaign. His new best-of team, outlined in his exclusive column for The Telegraph, comprises a Test 23 that draws heavily from Welsh rugby – a nod to the remarkable success Wales enjoyed under his guidance.
While Welsh representation on the most recent 2025 tour was strikingly low, with Jac Morgan the sole Welshman to feature in the final match following Tomos Williams’ unfortunate withdrawal, this stands in stark contrast to previous series. Gatland’s tenure as Wales coach is widely recognised for rejuvenating the national side, and the echo of that achievement is clear in the make-up of his chosen side.
In fact, a notable eight Welshmen feature in Gatland’s composite XV, including influential stars such as Sam Warburton, who gets the armband as captain. Warburton famously led the Lions in 2013 – at the time the youngest to do so – and was renowned for his sharp understanding of the game, his rapport with referees, and his fierce intellect at the breakdown. Gatland was quick to praise his leadership qualities, calling him, “one of the most complete opensides of the modern era.”
Another Welsh stalwart, Alun Wyn Jones, was selected alongside Warburton. Jones carved out his own piece of history in the 2021 tour, becoming the oldest Lions captain of the professional era. Gatland highlighted Jones’s unyielding drive and physicality, as well as his steadfast leadership on and off the pitch. The selection means big names like Ireland’s Paul O’Connell are omitted, reflecting just how highly Gatland rates his former Welsh locks.
Gatland’s front line features not only that powerful Welsh engine room, but also attacking threats like George North on the wing. North, particularly dominant in the 2013 series, was described as an “almost unstoppable” presence with an ability to break the game open. In midfield, the familiar partnership of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies is restored, evoking memories of their instrumental roles in the Lions’ 2013 victory.
Leigh Halfpenny, another emblematic figure of Welsh rugby, was namechecked for his reliability and world-class kicking, underpinning his key contributions to the Lions. Gatland’s bench also included the likes of Adam Jones, a cornerstone of previous forward packs, and Mike Phillips, adding yet more red shirts to his selections.
Gatland’s side is rounded out with major talents from across the home nations – including the likes of Maro Itoje, Johnny Sexton, and Tommy Bowe – but it is the dominance of Welsh players, shaped during his own era at the helm, that undoubtedly catches the eye.
While this selection will inevitably spark debate and discussions, it also reflects the shifting tides in British and Irish rugby over the past two decades. Gatland’s unique perspective, having been at the heart of the action, provides valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the very top of the sport.
Rugby fans will no doubt pore over Gatland’s chosen line-up, weighing up his decisions against their own memories and opinions. However, one thing remains clear: under his stewardship, Welsh rugby reached heights that continue to be celebrated and recognised by the man who helped fashion them.
**Warren Gatland’s Lions Test 23 (2009–2025):**
1. Ellis Genge
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Tadhg Beirne
7. Sam Warburton (Captain)
8. Taulupe Faletau
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Johnny Sexton
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Leigh Halfpenny
**Replacements:** Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Adam Jones, Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry, Mike Phillips, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly
No doubt, Gatland’s team will fire up conversations in pubs and living rooms across Britain and Ireland, fuelling dreams of what might have been had this extraordinary side ever taken to the field together.