Breaking: Maro Itoje to Be Named British & Irish Lions Captain for Australia Tour, First Englishman Since Martin Johnson in 2001; Announcement Thursday
Headline:
Revolution in Rugby: Maro Itoje Set to Make History as British & Irish Lions Captain
Big News from the Lioness’ Den
Maro Itoje, the British powerhouse lock, is set to charge into history this Thursday. The 30-year-old, with two previous Lions tours under his belt, is poised to become the first Englishman to lead the British & Irish Lions since Martin Johnson in 2001. Itoje will be at the helm of a 40-strong squad, ready to tame the Wallabies in Australia this July.
Road to Captaincy
Itoje’s ascension to the captaincy is no surprise given his exceptional form and leadership acumen. He took over the England captaincy midway through the 2025 Six Nations, leading them to an impressive second-place finish with four consecutive wins. His credentials were further endorsed by Matt Dawson, a three-time Lions tourist, who praised Itoje’s growth and readiness for the role.
The Emergence of a Leader
The road to this moment hasn’t been straightforward for Itoje. Once seen as an ill-disciplined player, Itoje has blossomed under the English captaincy. He’s embraced the responsibility, tightened his game, and transformed into one of England’s most reliable leaders. "The captaincy has given him a new lease of life," said Dawson. This transformation has put Itoje front and center as the outstanding candidate for the Lions’ captaincy, even with Ireland’s Caelan Doris undergoing shoulder surgery.
Captaincy Announcement & Lions Squad Reveal
Stay tuned this Thursday afternoon, as Itoje will be officially announced as the Lions’ captain. The squad reveal will take place before a live audience at the O2 Arena, London, just before Lions head coach Andy Farrell’s side faces Argentina in Dublin on 20 June.
Did you know?
🐼 Itoje is known for his barnstorming carries, having averaged over 13 metres per carry in the 2025 Six Nations, more than any other England player.
Pro Tip
💡 Kelly Brown, the former Scotland international and Lions tourist, believes Itoje’s ability to lead by example and inspire teammates will be crucial in Australia.
Key Dates:
- Lions Captaincy Announcement: Thursday, 10 June
- Lions Squad Reveal: Thursday, 10 June
- Lions vs Argentina: Friday, 20 June
- First Game in Australia: Saturday, 28 June vs Western Force
- First Test: Saturday, 19 July vs Australia
FAQ
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Q: Who is the last Englishman to have captained the Lions?
- A: Martin Johnson led the Lions in 2001.
- Q: When and where will the Lions play their three Tests against Australia?
- A: The Tests will take place on 19 July (Brisbane), 26 July (Melbourne), and 2 August (Sydney).