Andy Farrell Reveals First British & Irish Lions Team for 1888 Cup Clash Against Argentina

Andy Farrell has unveiled his inaugural British & Irish Lions matchday squad as they gear up to take on Argentina in the 1888 Cup.

Playing on Irish soil for the first time, the Lions will face the Pumas at the Aviva Stadium on Friday with a kick-off time of 20:00. Maro Itoje, the Saracens and England lock, will lead the team for the first time as he embarks on his third Tour.

A total of 14 players could make their Lions debut in the upcoming match against the Pumas. Meanwhile, familiar faces such as Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Marcus Smith, and Duhan van der Merwe, who all featured in South Africa in 2021, will also be part of the squad. The Lions can also rely on the experience of three-time tourists Elliot Daly and Tadhg Furlong coming off the bench.

Speaking about the team selection, Lions Head Coach Farrell expressed his delight for Maro Itoje in leading the Lions for the first time. He commended Itoje for his leadership during the team's time in Portugal and Dublin, emphasizing the significance of the moment for the player. Farrell also highlighted the upcoming match as an opportunity for the 2025 Lions to showcase their identity and values as a team.

Farrell acknowledged the challenge that Argentina will pose both up front and out wide, anticipating a tough contest on Friday night but also a memorable occasion for all the fans in attendance.