**British & Irish Lions Squad Announcement: Few Welsh Inclusions Amid Surprise Picks and Notable Omissions**
British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has revealed his squad for the forthcoming tour of Australia, with selections that have prompted both raised eyebrows and disappointment, particularly among Welsh rugby fans. Astonishingly, only two Welsh players, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, have made the cut – marking the lowest Welsh representation on a Lions tour since 1936. In a clear sign of the shifting power dynamics within UK rugby, English lock Maro Itoje has been selected as captain, reinforcing the current dominance of English and Irish players in the British game.
While squad announcements always bring an element of drama, this year’s line-up has been notable for its blend of expected names and genuine surprises. The revelation of young English flanker Henry Pollock in the squad drew an enthusiastic response at the announcement event at London’s O2 Arena. At just 20 years old, Pollock – who has only a solitary England cap, won as a late substitute against Wales in Cardiff earlier this season – has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks. His outstanding display in Northampton Saints’ recent Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster appears to have tipped the scales in his favour, highlighting the competitive nature of back-row selection.
Pollock is not the only inclusion garnering attention. The call-up of England wing Elliot Daly, a two-time previous Lion but a surprise given whispers ahead of the selection, caught some off guard. Additionally, Ireland’s James Ryan and Scotland’s Scott Cummings emerged successfully from a crowded field of contenders at lock, ensuring a fair mix of experience and youth throughout the squad.
The omission of high-profile players has swiftly become a talking point. Perhaps most striking is the absence of Ireland’s Caelan Doris, widely tipped to captain the side until recently, now reportedly out due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery. Welsh hopes had also been high for Dewi Lake, previously considered a probable tourist, but a series of injuries this season likely influenced his exclusion. Meanwhile, veteran Wales forward Taulupe Faletau was overlooked in favour of Irishman Jack Conan, perhaps a sign of the tough decisions Farrell and his team faced in a loaded back row.
Scotland’s Darcy Graham, whose electrifying form this season had made him almost impossible to ignore in eyes of many supporters and pundits, has also been left out. Some have suggested recent performances, as in the case of Ireland’s young fly-half Sam Prendergast, weighed heavily on the selectors’ minds, with Northampton’s Fin Smith – impressive in the same match – earning a place instead. Other experienced names such as England’s Jamie George and George Ford will, too, feel aggrieved at missing out on the tour.
The ever-contentious debate over whether Wales’ presence is proportionate is likely to persist. On current form, it is difficult to argue otherwise. The Welsh national side has endured consecutive Six Nations wooden spoons and a record 17 straight Test defeats, making a larger squad presence hard to justify. While individual talents such as Faletau and Lake could have merited inclusion, the broader struggles facing Welsh rugby serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for revitalisation in the national game.
Some Welsh observers may view this as an unwelcome but necessary reality check. The minimal representation in the squad should both alarm and galvanise the Welsh Rugby Union, which faces increasing scrutiny for the sport’s current fortunes in the country. An honest reflection on these numbers may ultimately lead to positive changes, forcing stakeholders to reconsider development pathways and competitive structures in Wales.
Amid these storylines, the Lions’ 38-man touring party includes a healthy contingent from Ireland, England, and Scotland, and offers a dynamic blend of established internationals and exciting newcomers. The selection process, as ever, has illuminated the competitive nature of modern test rugby, where recent performances and fitness often matter just as much as reputation or past achievements.
The Lions tour of Australia remains one of the most compelling fixtures in the world rugby calendar. With a squad that reflects shifting regional strengths and the non-negotiable demands of form, Andy Farrell and his staff will hope their decisions can unite the squad and inspire another famous Lions campaign Down Under. For Welsh fans, though, the 2025 squad will be a poignant reminder of the challenging path ahead in returning the nation’s rugby to former glory.