Leinster ace to captain Lions as Andy Farrell announces team to face Western Force with eight Irish inclusions
DAN Sheehan has been selected to captain the British & Irish Lions in the opening game of the Australia tour against Western Force in Perth.
Andy Farrell will be looking for a good response from his side following the
Advertisement
2
The former England international was handed a shock loss in the Aviva last Friday
2
This is a huge responsibility given to the 26-year-old on his Lions debut
The 2025 Lions team have already achieved an unwanted historical feat as the Lions have not lost an opening tour game since 1971.
Sheehan was absent in the Lions send off game in Dublin where Farrell's side fell to a shock 28-24 loss to Argentina.
The Dublin native will be used to the weight of the captaincy having led Ireland in the
The Irish hooker is one of five Leinster players set to make their Lions debut having been unavailable to play Argentina due to featuring in the
Advertisement
Read more on Irish sport
Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose and James Lowe are the other debutantes in the starting XV alongside Leinster teammate
Leinster prop Andrew Porter will be hoping to make his debut off the bench where he is joined by Scotland's Huw Jones and England's Will Stuart and Ollie Chessum hoping to achieve the same.
Ronan Kelleher who appeared off the bench for the Lions last week and
With this squad announcement, James Ryan and
Advertisement
Most read in Rugby Union
Farrell has put out an experimental side as he makes 13 changes from last weeks starting team and five new names are added to the bench.
It is a difficult task to balance finding his best team to face Australia in the test matches and giving appropriate rest time to his players.
'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills
Munster man
The second row sees a complete makeover from the Argentina match with Joe McCarthy partnering Scott Cummings while Maro Itoje is dropped out of the squad completely.
Advertisement
Connacht winger Mack Hansen earns his first start for the Lions having made his debut off the bench in Dublin last week.
Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu is the only familiar face in the backs as he makes the switch from outside centre to replace Bundee Aki at inside centre where he will partner Ringrose.
British & Irish Lions team to place Western Force:
Forwards:
1. Pierre Schoeman, 2. Dan Sheehan (capt), 3. Tadhg Furlong; 4. Scott Cummings, 5. Joe McCarthy; 6. Tadhg Beirne, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Henry Pollock.
Advertisement
Backs:
15. Elliot Daly; 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Sione Tuipulotu, 11. James Lowe; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Tomos Williams.
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Andrew Porter, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Ollie Chessum, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Huw Jones, 23. Marcus Smith.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Brian O'Driscoll surprises special needs rugby team by leading training session in Kildare
BRIAN O'Driscoll surprised the MU Barnhall Buffaloes in Leixlip by leading their training session on Wednesday. The MU Barnhall Buffaloes are a tag rugby team for adults with special needs which was started in 2015 to put a big emphasis on fun and community participation. 4 Howden ambassador O'Driscoll greeting some of the Buffaloes Credit: Howden 4 O'Driscoll wasn't afraid to join in on the action Credit: Howden 4 Ireland's all-time leading try scorer posing for a picture at the event Credit: Howden 4 The former Lions captain gave the Buffaloes a few tips Credit: Howden The team is based on the Maynooth University Barnhall grounds in Parsonstown, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. The event, which celebrated the values of connection, inclusion, and purpose, saw O'Driscoll lead a special training session with the Buffaloes. Known for his legendary rugby career, the three-time Lion brought his trademark charisma, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm to every interaction, from coaching drills and signing rugby balls to posing for photos and chatting with guests. The former Leinster and Ireland centre enjoyed the event saying: "It was great to spend the morning at Barnhall RFC with the Buffaloes team. Read more on Irish Sport "Diversity in sport is so important - meeting and interacting with the team and having fun is what it's all about. "I think the joy rugby has brought to so many of us and the values that it teaches, it certainly helps in all walks of life." A highlight of the day was a special Q&A session led by Noel Dillon, Chairman of MU Barnhall RFC, where Brian reflected on his career. The importance of resilience and teamwork, and what it means to adopt a 'no limits' mindset — a message that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Most read in Rugby Union With the 2025 Lions team in action last week O'Driscoll shared his personal experience of being on tour with the Lions. He said: "Training in Lions is spectacular you have to bring your A game every single day because everyone's at such a high skill level. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' "It was peoples capacity, players capacity to be told something once and show it at training." The British and Irish Lions principal partner Howden hosted the heartwarming event. The Howden CEO Robert Kennedy said: 'This event was a true celebration of what sport and community can achieve together. "We are incredibly proud to support initiatives that bring people together and create lasting memories.' The day left a lasting impression on all who attended, including Brian himself, and served as a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from showing up with heart and engaging with purpose.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom steps down after almost 19 years in the role
CRICKET Ireland Chief Executive Officer Warren Deutrom has announced he will step down from the role at the end of August . Deutrom has been at the helm of Irish Cricket for almost 19 years since December 2006. Advertisement 2 Deutrom will fulfil his CEO duties until the end of August 2 The Englishman has overseen some of Irish cricket's greatest moments During his tenure, Ireland has grown in stature in world cricket and in 2017 was Warren has been in cricket administration for almost 30 years, including stints as head of events for both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and for the England and Wales Cricket Board. He sits on the ICC Chief Executives Committee and ICC Women's Cricket Committee, is the Chair of the European T20 Premier League. He was also a member of both the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Olympic Council of Ireland Disciplinary Panel, and is a former Board Director of both the Federation of Irish Sport and the European Cricket Council. Advertisement Read more on Irish sport After the board meeting where his resignation was formally advised, Warren Deutrom: "It's hard to explain my feelings since making this decision. "The role of Cricket Ireland CEO has covered more than a third of my life and two-thirds of my professional career. It has felt more like a vocation and a true labour of love than a mere job. 'The attainment of ICC Full Membership and Test status is the most significant achievement I'll look back on with pride – indeed, if the first decade of my role was about trying to achieve ICC Full Membership/Test status, the next decade has been about trying to live up to that privilege. "Today, with new ICC funding, with permanent infrastructure planned, a World Cup to co-host, a central contracts system for both men and women, and the European T20 Premier League on the horizon, I'm more confident than ever that the foundations are there to realise that new vision, so it's the right time for me to hand over the baton. Advertisement Most read in Cricket 'While the absolute highlights of the role are too numerous to mention, the most powerful memories I'll take with me are of our Irish cricket family – the good people, the kind people, the mentors, the taskmasters, the wonderful colleagues, and the countless friends I am privileged to have made along the way. "I look forward to saying a personal thanks to as many people as possible over the coming weeks.' England captain Ben Stokes gives reaction after his side's five-wicket win over India in the first Test The Chair of Cricket Ireland Brian MacNeice thanked Warren Deutrom for all his works over his nearly 19 years. He said 'The measure of success for any CEO is have they left the organisation in a better place than they found it. There is no doubt Warren has achieved that. Advertisement "It's obvious that cricket – and more specifically, Irish cricket – hasn't just been a job for Warren, but rather a passion. "He has driven some of the most significant achievements our sport has ever seen – especially the attainment of Full Membership of the ICC. "He took over an embryonic organisation, led it through an unparalleled period of growth, managed the organisation through challenges such as the economic crash and Covid, and always maintained an eye on the big picture. 'A role like this invariably demands an extraordinary level of skill, dedication, enthusiasm and selflessness, three attributes Warren has in abundance. Advertisement "He ends his tenure with not only a list of achievements, but several substantial projects in development – such as "On behalf of the Board and staff of Cricket Ireland, I thank Warren for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the role of CEO – and I wish Warren and his family all the best in the future.'
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside John Giles' life with wife & kids from Man United breakthrough to Leeds icon and legendary RTE pundit
JOHN Giles has been a legendary figure in Irish football for over a half-century between his starring days on the pitch to his lengthy career as a pundit. Born in 1940, he made the trip across the Irish Sea from Dublin when he was only 16 to join Manchester United after getting spotted by a scout while playing for Stella Maris. Advertisement 3 The 84-year-old was inducted into the FAI's Hall of Fame in 2021 3 It was at Leeds United where he really blossomed into a star Credit: PA:Press Association 3 He was a staple of RTE's coverage of club and international football for 30 years Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd While he did break into the first team and racked up 99 appearances for the Red Devils, he was deemed surplus to requirements by legendary manager Matt Busby in 1963. Busby would go on to rue selling him to one of the club's fiercest rivals in Leeds United. At Elland Road Giles Over the course 12 seasons ion Yorkshire, the midfield playmaker helped the side win two First Division league titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup while they also lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football Giles was also central to their run to the European Cup final of 1975 where victors Bayern Munich were aided in their 2-0 win by several highly suspect refereeing decisions. The latter years of his playing career were spent at West Brom (1975-1977), a stateside stint at Philadelphia Fury (1978) and Shamrock Rovers (1977-1983) where he acted as player-manager. MEDIA CAREER In 1986 he embarked upon what was to become an iconic second act as a broadcaster with RTE. He was the national broadcaster's "senior analyst" throughout its heyday both from its free-wheeling analysis days as well as a golden period for the Republic of Ireland men's national team. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive The panel of host Bill O'Herlihy, Giles and Eamon Dunphy was further bolstered by the addition of Liam Brady in 1998. Together, Giles, Dunphy and Brady became affectionately known as "The Three Amigos" in an era where their pre and post-match chat was often more entertaining than the games themselves. Arsenal announce new five-year contract for Myles Lewis-Skelly after Real Madrid eyed shock free transfer He was eventually given the boot by RTE at the conclusion of Euro 2016 when his contract was allowed to expire. But his voice is still heard on a weekly basis during his Thursday slot on Off the Ball. Advertisement Giles has been embedded at Newstalk's sports show since day one of the radio station's inception in 2002. WIFE AND CHILDREN Giles has been married to spouse Anne since 1966. The pair have six chilldren, four sons and two daughters. Two of their sons wound up following in their dad's footsteps by playing for Shamrock Rovers. Anne boasts fine sporting heritage herself as she is the sister of Irish sprinting legend Paul Dolan. Advertisement He represented Ireland at the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games in London and Helsinki respectively.
