British & Irish Lions confirm ‘extraordinary’ squad announcement news as date and venue confirmed
The 2025 British and Irish Lions squad will be announced at the O2.
The 2025 British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia will be announced in front of a live audience of more than 2,000 supporters at London’s iconic O2 on May 8.
It will be the first time in the famous touring side’s history that the squad will be named in this open manner and it promises to be a special occasion on that Thursday.
Lions chair Ieuan Evans MBE will announce head coach Andy Farrell‘s tourists and captain for the series in front of what promises to be a Sea of Red fans at the O2.
Ticket ballot
A ticket ballot for the event at indigo, under the tented roof, will be live in the coming weeks, with Lions Rugby Club members having priority access to purchase tickets.
Fans can sign up to be first to hear how to get their hands on tickets for the occasion in indigo – The O2’s 2,700-capacity entertainment venue – the Lions have confirmed.
“The British and Irish Lions always aim to unite and inspire through extraordinary experiences and this event is no different,”?Ben Calveley, CEO of the Lions, explained.
“Taking place at indigo in The O2, this will be our biggest and most special squad announcement yet.
“We are absolutely delighted to see record numbers of fans already travelling to Australia this summer as the Sea of Red unites for the first time since 2017.
“But we also know there are millions of fans at home who also want to be brought closer to the action – and this unique event gives them the chance to do that.
The STAGGERING cost to watch every British & Irish Lions match in Australia revealed
“Both at home and on Tour, our Lions supporters are hugely important to us. And as always, their energy and passion will be vital in helping us attempt to win a Test Series against the Wallabies this summer.”
Further adding to the occasion, the momentous day on May 8 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and there will be a series of special guests on stage and on screen.
There will also be live reaction from Premiership Rugby and United Rugby Championship stars as the names are read out.
Lions Chair Ieuan Evans MBE said: “There is no greater honour than being selected for The British & Irish Lions and as a player, you find it tough to sleep the night before as the anticipation builds.
“Hours feel like days as you wait to hear if you are lucky enough to get that dream call-up for the ultimate experience on and off the pitch.
Ceefax days
“I was fortunate to go on three Lions Tours and I found out via a letter, a telegram and Ceefax – that was our version of the red button for younger supporters. And this squad announcement, in front of our loyal fans, will be so memorable in its own way too.
“There is a lot of rugby to be played between now and May and Andy and his coaching team will have some extremely tough decisions to make ahead of the Tour to Australia.
“The players will be doing all they can to book their places and we wish them all the very best over the coming weeks.”
