**Excitement Builds as Special Edition Lions Tour Preview Hits the Stands**
Rugby fans across Britain and Ireland are gearing up for one of the sport’s most eagerly anticipated events – the British & Irish Lions’ tour to Australia in 2025. To mark this momentous occasion, the Daily Mirror has launched an exclusive tour preview magazine, “Ready to Roar”, designed to immerse supporters in the drama, history, and personalities that make a Lions tour such a unique sporting spectacle.
This robust preview comes as Andy Farrell takes on the role of head coach, leading a team brimming with talent and expectation ‘Down Under’. After a narrow series loss to the Springboks in South Africa in 2021, the Lions are determined to reclaim the glory that fans so fondly remember. The tour promises drama and high stakes, echoing the iconic series of yesteryear – from their memorable victories over rugby powerhouses New Zealand and South Africa in the 1970s to the much-celebrated 1997 series win under Martin Johnson’s exemplary leadership.
Reflecting on recent history, many supporters will recall the thrilling 2013 tour of Australia, when Warren Gatland’s side clinched a gripping 2-1 series win. That dazzling performance remains fresh in the mind of Lions’ devotees, setting a high bar for this year’s squad. With Andy Farrell stepping into the head coach’s position and Maro Itoje expected to take up the captaincy, anticipation is high that the Lions will once again capture the imagination of rugby followers everywhere.
“Ready to Roar” delves into the personalities and backstories of both established stars and promising newcomers. The preview features comprehensive insights into head coach Andy Farrell’s approach, an in-depth profile of captain Maro Itoje, and spotlights on emerging talents such as Henry Pollock, Marcus Smith, Jac Morgan, Sione Tuipolotu, and Mack Hansen. Every player in the touring party receives a dedicated profile, ensuring readers are well-acquainted with the squad before the action begins.
Beyond the British and Irish contingent, the preview also offers a thorough breakdown of Australia’s national team and the tactical battles likely to play out between rival coaching teams. In addition, a detailed guide to the stadiums and fixtures awaits readers, providing a roadmap to the venues that will host these titanic clashes.
One of the magazine’s standout features is a retrospective look at Lions tours throughout the years, revisiting some of the most spine-tingling moments, legendary matches, and remarkable players. The publication doesn’t just focus on the present; it serves as a celebration of the enduring legacy and international camaraderie that define the Lions.
As part of the wider coverage, “Ready to Roar” shines a light on both the sporting and cultural elements that make a Lions tour truly unforgettable. The publication aims to transport readers from their armchairs into the heart of the action, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of rugby’s unique tour tradition.
Available from 11 June 2025 at participating retailers, as well as for online purchase, the magazine offers the perfect companion for any fan eager to follow every twist and turn of the upcoming series. Online purchases will incur postage and packaging fees, but for many, the opportunity to immerse themselves in Lions history and the latest squad insights is well worth it.
With anticipation growing and the countdown well underway, this in-depth preview offers a chance to reconnect with the passion and pageantry that has defined the British & Irish Lions for generations. Rugby supporters have much to look forward to – and “Ready to Roar” ensures they’re perfectly placed to savour every minute.