British and Irish Lions to unveil squad in front of fans at O2 Arena in London
Supporters will be able to watch the squad naming live in person for the first time on Thursday 8 May
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Your support makes all the difference.The British and Irish Lions will unveil their touring squad in front of fans for the first time with more than 2,000 supporters set to watch the travelling party to Australia be named.
Head coach Andy Farrell will confirm his squad and captain at indigo in London’s O2 Arena on Thursday 8 May ahead of the summer tour Down Under.
The venue has a capacity of 2,700, with Lions fans able to enter a ticket ballot to watch chair Ieuan Evans announce Farrell’s selection.
The announcement four years ago was disrupted by the pandemic, with much of Warren Gatland’s squad naming conducted virtually, including interviews with captain Alun Wyn Jones.
In 2017, meanwhile, the announcement was live streamed from a London hotel as Gatland selected his party for New Zealand.
“The British & Irish Lions always aim to unite and inspire through extraordinary experiences and this event is no different,” Ben Calveley, Lions CEO, said.
“Taking place at indigo in The O2, this will be our biggest and most special squad announcement yet.
“We are absolutely delighted to see record numbers of fans already travelling to Australia this summer as the Sea of Red unites for the first time since 2017. But we also know there are millions of fans at home who also want to be brought closer to the action – and this unique event gives them the chance to do that.
“Both at home and on Tour, our Lions supporters are hugely important to us. And as always, their energy and passion will be vital in helping us attempt to win a Test Series against the Wallabies this summer.”
Farrell will confirm his assistant coaches in late March before he begins the process of whittling down his squad options. A number of key staff members have already been installed, including head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters and performance manager David Nucifora.
Ireland’s Caelan Doris and England’s Maro Itoje shape as the two leading contenders to skipper the squad. The Lions begin their 10-match itinerary with an encounter with Argentina in Dublin on 20 June, and begin the Test series against the Wallabies in Brisbane on 19 July.
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