All‑Scottish Midfield Named for First Lions Test – Historic Selection & Key Players
🏉 All‑Scottish Midfield Set for Lions' First Test in Brisbane
In a historic move, the British & Irish Lions will field a fully Scottish fly‑half and centre trio for the opening Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2025. Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones have been named at No. 10, 12, and 13—marking the first time one nation dominates the key creative axis in Lions Test action since 1993 .
📋 Matchday 23 Highlights
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Maro Itoje captains the side, securing his 100th Test cap .
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Scotland supplies three of the starting backs; no Welsh players feature in the squad for the first time since 1896 .
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Other starters: Eight players from Ireland and four from England. Key inclusions are flanker Tom Curry, loosehead Ellis Genge, hooker Dan Sheehan, and tighthead Tadhg Furlong .
🌟 Understanding the Midfield Combo
Finn Russell – Fly‑Half
Russell has transformed from a flair player into a polished, strategic No. 10 with elite vision and composure. His evolution allows him to direct play efficiently while still offering unpredictability in attack .
Sione Tuipulotu – Inside Centre
With strong break-running and creativity, Tuipulotu has earned coach Andy Farrell’s trust over other midfield contenders like Ireland’s Bundee Aki .
Huw Jones – Outside Centre
Jones’ journey from amateur coaching in South Africa to Test rugby epitomises resilience. He will make his Lions Test debut, partnering Tuipulotu as a balanced and intuitive midfield unit .
Together, they form the Lions’ first-ever fully Scottish 10‑12‑13 set-up in Test rugby—and only the second time any nation has done so since England in the 1993 opener versus New Zealand .
🧠 Why This Selection Matters
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Team harmony over nationality: Andy Farrell prioritised existing chemistry and form over national balancing. Tuipulotu and Jones had proven synergy at club and international levels, making them a logical pick .
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Welsh omission unprecedented: No Welsh players are in the Test squad—breaking a streak that dates back over 125 years .
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