Owen Farrell, England's seasoned fly-half, is emerging as the leading candidate to captain the British & Irish Lions in their 2025 tour, with head coach Warren Gatland reportedly keen on his leadership.
The 32-year-old Saracens star, who has previously toured with the Lions in 2013, 2017, and 2021, is seen as the ideal figure to unite the squad. Gatland, returning as head coach, values Farrell's vast experience and tactical acumen.
Why Farrell?
Farrell's credentials are hard to ignore:
- Over 100 caps for England
- Key role in multiple Six Nations victories
- Proven leadership as England captain
- Respected by players across all four Home Nations
Despite stepping back from international duty recently, Farrell's club form remains strong, and his absence from the England setup could actually benefit the Lions by keeping him fresh for the tour.
Gatland's Trust in Experience
Warren Gatland has always favoured experienced leaders for the Lions captaincy. His previous selections - Sam Warburton (2013, 2017) and Alun Wyn Jones (2021) - followed this pattern. Farrell fits the mould perfectly.
The 2025 tour to Australia will present unique challenges, and Gatland clearly believes Farrell's composed demeanour and big-game mentality will be crucial against the Wallabies.
Potential Alternatives
While Farrell is the frontrunner, other candidates could emerge:
- Maro Itoje (England) - Dynamic lock with leadership experience
- James Ryan (Ireland) - Emerging leader in Irish rugby
- Ken Owens (Wales) - Veteran hooker with Gatland's trust
However, none currently match Farrell's combination of experience, respect across nations, and proven performance at the highest level.
