### What Might the 2029 British & Irish Lions Team Look Like? Pundits Tip Big Returns for Rees-Zammit and Morgan
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions campaign in Australia newly wrapped up, speculation has already begun to swirl around who will form the core of the squad for the 2029 tour to New Zealand. Andy Farrell’s side returned home as series winners, navigating a challenging itinerary with only one defeat, and sparking familiar anticipation for four years hence.
The itinerary for 2029, scheduled to take place in New Zealand, recalls the Lions’ memorable drawn series against the All Blacks in 2017. With the dust barely settled on this year’s tour, discussions among rugby fans and pundits have quickly shifted to identifying likely candidates for the next squad. Not only is there optimism that head coach Andy Farrell may stay on, but fierce debate also rages concerning which rising talents and seasoned veterans will travel.
It is worth pointing out that four years is a substantial period in international rugby. Established names may become unavailable through retirement or decline, and as always, new faces currently under the radar are sure to emerge and stake their claim. Nevertheless, the latest predictions are already taking shape, offering Wales fans hope of increased representation with the expected inclusion of Louis Rees-Zammit and Jac Morgan.
#### Back Three: Blending Pace and Power
Recent discussions imagine a highly dynamic back three in 2029. Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn, tipped to earn a place on consecutive tours, brings a rare combination of speed, aerial skills, and a strong kicking game. His improving form at Toulouse suggests he could be indispensable even at the age of 32. Joining him could be Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit, whose attempt at NFL stardom injected a hiatus in his rugby career. Now signalling his return, Rees-Zammit’s remarkable athletic ability remains undimmed, and by 2029 he would still only be 28, promising plenty of pace to boost the Lions’ attacking threat.
The third back three pick is tipped to be Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, whose exceptional speed and power could propel him into a starting berth, provided he enjoys better fortune with injury than in previous years. Even so, there are numerous competitors vying for spots, including Mack Hansen, Freddie Steward, and Henry Arundell, with several young Welsh wingers also likely to enter the conversation by 2029.
#### Centres: A Changing of the Guard?
The midfield looks primed for a shake-up, with England’s Tommy Freeman forecasted to transition from wing to centre full-time. Freeman’s physicality and carrying ability have impressed observers, and by 2029 he should be at the peak of his powers. Alongside him, Sione Tuipulotu could be the Lions’ preferred inside centre, combining forceful ball carrying with deft distribution. Yet as history shows, new midfield talents always emerge—Wales’ Macs Page and Mason Grady offer promise, and England’s Ollie Lawrence may challenge strongly.
#### Half-Backs: Youth Ascendant
At half-back, Northampton’s Fin Smith is already winning admirers and could mature into the tour’s leading fly-half, having cut his teeth at Test level in Argentina. Alongside him, Scotland’s Ben White is projected to be entering his prime, with established figures such as Jamison Gibson-Park and Tomos Williams expected to be winding down their careers by then. England’s Marcus Smith, Ireland’s Jack Crowley, and further scrum-half options Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet are also likely contenders.
#### The Engine Room: Front Five Predictions
Turning to the forwards, Ireland’s Dan Sheehan retains his status as one of the world’s leading hookers and a possible captaincy candidate for 2029. England’s Will Stuart, currently anchoring the Bath scrum, is set to provide vital experience at tighthead prop. On the other side, Asher Opoku-Fordjour of Sale Sharks, who has already impressed at just 20 years old, might be one of the youngest Lions forwards in memory, bringing raw potential as both a loosehead and tighthead. As ever, fierce competition from across the Home Nations is expected for these coveted places.
#### Lock Pairing: A Blend of Experience and Youth
England’s Maro Itoje and Ireland’s Joe McCarthy could anchor the Lions’ second row in New Zealand. Itoje, likely nearing the twilight of his career at 34, remains a commanding presence whenever he takes to the field. Alongside him, the younger McCarthy’s formidable physicality suggests a player entering his peak. However, England’s Ollie Chessum and Wales’ Dafydd Jenkins will hope to force their way into the reckoning, and by 2029, fresh talent such as Junior Kpoku could surface as challengers.
#### Back Row: Power and Leadership
The back row for 2029 may see some familiar faces, with Jac Morgan of Wales set to continue his rise as a first-choice flanker, hopefully joined by more Welsh players in the squad than was the case in 2025. England’s Henry Pollock, having dazzled as a bolter this year, is on course to cement his reputation as a top international openside. At number 8, Ireland’s Caelan Doris, who missed the recent tour through injury, could finally get his Lions debut, likely as captain given his leadership credentials.
#### Honourable Mentions and Uncertainties
As always, British & Irish Lions selection is anything but predictable. While some names appear near-certain, countless others will enter the fray over four years, with fitness, form, and fortune all playing a part. Players such as Ben Earl, Morgan Morse, Ellis Genge, and Dewi Lake will be eager to press their cases, as will a new generation of internationals yet to make their mark.
#### A Glimpse Into 2029
While any attempt at predicting a squad this far out comes with inherent risks, the excitement surrounding the next Lions tour is already tangible. Fans from all four nations will be following the emergence of likely candidates, with particular interest in Wales’ returning Louis Rees-Zammit and inspirational Jac Morgan. Regardless of who ultimately makes the cut, the proud legacy and intense interest surrounding Lions tours ensure the build-up will be as compelling as the action itself.