Warren Gatland names just six Andy Farrell picks in 2013-2025 Lions XV that includes Johnny Sexton and seven Wales players
Former British and irish Lions boss Warren Gatland in 2021
Warren Gatland has included just six of Andy Farrell’s team in his combined British and Irish Lions 2013-2025 XV.
Ex-Wales boss Gatland led the respective 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and he was succeeded by Ireland head coach Farrell for this year’s return Down Under.
Farrell’s Lions clinched a 2-1 series win over the Wallabies, the same outcome that materialised 12 years ago on their last Australian visit.
Gatland was working at this year’s series as a Sky Sports TV pundit, and he has now written a listicle for The Telegraph comprising his preferred XV team from across the last four tours.
Hotchpotch selection
It’s a hotchpotch selection. For example, he has named Johnny Sexton as his No.10, yet he was the coach to infamously omit the legendary Ireland player from the 2021 tour to South Africa. He also didn’t seek him out when an injury cover call-up was needed; that call at the time instead went to Marcus Smith.
Explaining himself, Gatland wrote: “Not an easy pick, but Sexton’s performances in 2013 and 2017 secured his place. Despite a slow start in 2017, his competitive edge and game management proved decisive. Finn Russell and Owen Farrell were close behind.”
Another curious 2013-2025 Gatland XV choice was his inclusion of Ellis Genge, the loosehead he overlooked in 2021.
“I haven’t always been Ellis’ biggest fan, but he was outstanding on this tour,” said the ex-Wales boss. “His ball carrying, particularly in the first Test, had a huge impact. His leadership and physicality made him a key figure.”
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Aside from Genge, the five other 2025 Test team players to gain Gatland’s XV approval were hooker Dan Sheehan “who’s redefined the hooker role in international rugby”, “easy pick” Tadhg Furlong, the “always rises to the occasion” Maro Itoje, the “matured brilliantly and delivered in big moments” Tadhg Beirne and the “very tight call” Jamison Gibson-Park.
Farrell only selected two Wales players to tour with the 2025 Lions, back-rower Jac Morgan and scrum-half Tomos Williams, but Gatland’s combined 2013-2025 XV was dominated by Welsh picks.
Looking at selection across the international divide, there were spots for seven players from Wales – the “indispensable” Alun Wyn Jones, “natural leader” Sam Warburton, “the knock for big moments:” Taulupe Faletau, “lethal finisher” George North, “defensive rock” Jamie Roberts, “outstanding” Jonathan Davies and “impeccable” Leigh Halfpenny.
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Gatland even suggested that Faletau was “arguably the most naturally gifted footballer across all squads”.
This Welsh representation of seven was one more than Ireland’s six (Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Gibson-Park, Sexton and Tommy Bowe), England’s two (Genge and Itoje) and zero Scots.
Switching to the bench, England dominated with six players named, including “fierce competitor” Farrell.
Reflecting on his 23, Gatland summarised: “If the Lions had won the third Test comfortably on Saturday, would more players from this tour have made my squad? The honest answer is: Probably.”
Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions Test 23: 2013-2025
Starting XV: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Adam Jones, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Elliot Daly