The Lions squad for this summer’s tour of Australia will be unveiled at a live event in front of thousands of fans. The announcement will be made at Indigo at the O2 in London on May 8, with the captain and squad being revealed in person. Sky Sports will broadcast the announcement live as head coach Andy Farrell’s squad is presented by Lions chairman Ieuan Evans. Unlike the last tour, this time no players will know in advance if they have been selected. In 2021, Alun Wyn Jones was revealed as the captain through a hologram on a virtual stage due to the pandemic affecting the South Africa tour.
The event promises to be a spectacle with various guests set to join the stage and give their reactions to the squad selections as they are announced. Former Wales wing Evans expressed his excitement, highlighting the honour and anticipation players feel before receiving the dream call-up to represent the Lions. He noted the significance of the squad announcement taking place in front of loyal fans, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Ben Calveley, the chief executive of the Lions, emphasised the aim to unite and inspire through extraordinary experiences, making this squad announcement a special event. With a record number of fans already travelling to Australia for the tour, the Sea of Red is set to reunite for the first time since 2017. The unique event not only caters to fans attending the live announcement but also aims to bring millions of supporters at home closer to the action.
Calveley acknowledged the importance of Lions supporters in their quest to win a Test Series against the Wallabies. He praised the enthusiasm and passion of the fans, highlighting their crucial role in motivating the team. As preparations continue for the tour, head coach Andy Farrell and his coaching team face tough decisions in selecting the final squad amidst the ongoing rugby fixtures leading up to May.
The anticipation for the squad announcement builds as leading candidates for the captaincy, such as Caelan Doris and Maro Itoje, are being considered. With a rich history of Lions tours and the tradition of selecting the best players from the British Isles, the upcoming squad announcement is eagerly awaited by fans and players alike. The event is set to be a celebration of rugby and the camaraderie that unites players and supporters across the British & Irish Lions community.