Cameraman blunder prematurely reveals British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje
British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje.
A blunder from the Sky Sports cameraman revealed that Maro Itoje will captain the British and Irish Lions in Australia.
Andy Farrell finally unveiled that the England lock will captain the side against the Wallabies on Thursday during the live event at the O2 Arena.
Blunder reveals British and Irish Lions captain
However, the head coach was beaten to the punch after a blunder by the Sky Sports cameraman who showed Itoje prematurely.
After a short break, as they were supposed to show 2021 Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones entering the stage, but instead, Itoje was captured backstage, spoiling the surprise.
Lions captain. Maro Itoje. pic.twitter.com/aBItQXM7U9
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 8, 2025
The England lock was expected to be named skipper after Caelan Doris’ injury in Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Saints.
It mattered little in the end, with Farrell announcing Itoje shortly afterwards.
“It feels amazing to be named Lions captain. I’m deeply honoured, humbled and I will do my best to do the role justice,” Lions tour captain Itoje said.
“I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead, it’s going to be a great Tour. I know the appetite amongst the players is extremely high, everyone is hungry to be a Lion and I can’t wait to play my role.”
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The Lions will face Argentina in the 1888 Cup in Dublin, Ireland on Friday, June 20 before heading Down Under.
The tour includes fixtures against Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, ANZAC Invitational XV, First Nations & Pasifika XV and three Tests against Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies.
“I want to congratulate Maro on being named captain of The British & Irish Lions,” said Farrell.
“This is a great honour for Maro, his family and everyone who has supported him throughout his career from Saracens to England – and on to The Lions in 2017 and 2021.
“As a two-time tourist, Maro fully understands what The Lions is all about and also the role of the captain in helping the group achieve its goal of winning a Test Series this summer.”
