Andy Farrell has unveiled his squad for the British & Irish Lions’ summer tour of Australia, featuring a number of standout players from the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup—many of whom will compete in the 2025 Finals in just two weeks.
This season’s EPCR competitions have offered the perfect platform for stars to turn their contention credentials into concrete call-ups, with many of this year’s Finalists set to tour with the Lions.
The EPCR Finals—the biggest weekend in club rugby—will be held on 23–24 May at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The action begins Friday night with Bath Rugby taking on Lyon Olympique Universitaire in the EPCR Challenge Cup Final, followed by Northampton Saints facing Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup Final. With EPCR Challenge Cup tickets starting at £30 and Investec Champions Cup seats from £60, fans are urged to secure theirs soon and bring their support to the Welsh capital.
Northampton Saints’ quartet Henry Pollock, Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman and Alex Mitchell selected; Three-time Champions Cup winner Maro Itoje captain
When the curtain went up on the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals last Sunday, it was the final chance for some of the sport’s greatest to shine before the Lions selection.
And Finalists Northampton Saints’ giant-killing of Leinster Rugby in Dublin on Saturday seems to have played its part in Farrell’s selection. It was the English side’s attacking prowess, pace on the counter and robust defence that powered them into the Principality Stadium’s Final, where they will face first-time Finalists Union Bordeaux-Bègles in just over two weeks time.
Another standout performance from the rapidly-rising star of Henry Pollock in the semi-final solidified his call-up credibility, but it would’ve been throughout the entirety of this season’s Investec Champions Cup that he proved his worth for the Lions. His seven tries, 96 tackles and 18 turnovers in this campaign earned him an Investec Player of the Year nomination which, together with his call-up, rounds off a memorable few months. Only time will tell to see whether he can complete the set and claim a maiden Investec Champions Cup crown – and potentially individual accolade – before going on tour.
Fellow Northampton Saints stars Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman also made the cut having shone in Saturday’s semi-final. Smith’s steady feet from the tee will have impressed Farrell, as well as his defence-splitting runs, controlling the game and setting the tone for a memorable Northampton win.
Wing Tommy Freeman has also earned a place in the 38-man squad thanks to some remarkable Investec Champions Cup form this year. His semi-final hat-trick took him to nine tries for the season and second in the overall standings – form that will be invaluable to Farrell’s squad this summer.
Alex Mitchell completes the four Saints who have been named by Farrell for Australia. The Englishman has been a vital cog in Northampton’s run to the Final this year having started each and every one of the side’s outings in the Investec Champions Cup.
Another Investec Champions Cup legend who makes the headlines is the captain – Maro Itoje. An integral part of English side Saracens’ three titles, Itoje knows precisely what it takes to win on rugby’s greatest stage. Going on to captain Saracens this season, as well as England for this season’s Six Nations, he has fitting experience for leading out the Lions in Australia for his third tour.
EPCR Challenge Cup Bath Rugby’s duo Finn Russell and Will Stuart make cut
The EPCR talent called upon by Andy Farrell isn’t limited to the Investec Champions Cup either. There’s a Bath Rugby double to represent the EPCR Challenge Cup sides – Finn Russell and Will Stuart.
Having long been in contention for a fly-half spot, Russell has been confirmed for what will be his third tour. He’s played a crucial role in Bath’s EPCR outings this season – in both Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.
First featuring three times in the Investec Champions Cup pool stage, Russell went on to start both of the English side’s quarter and semi-final EPCR Challenge Cup wins, scoring 25 points across the two.
Another Bath man who earned his place in the squad list was prop Will Stuart. An integral part in England’s successful Six Nations campaign and Bath’s EPCR Challenge Cup Final run this term, the tight-head will join teammate Russell Down Under for the tour.
This season marks the 30th final of the Investec Champions Cup, and a return to the Welsh capital – the city that hosted the first ever final three decades ago. With just two weeks to go the wait is nearly over, with rugby fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable show of skill and passion over the two finals matches. Click here for tickets.
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