Record number of UCD RFC player alum and members named for 2025 British and Irish Lions tour
9 May 2025
Ireland's fifteen players selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia Credit: IRFU
UCD Rugby Club will be well represented as the British and Irish Lions prepare to kick off their summer tour of Australia, with six of their former players and members selected for the squad.
Among those chosen to be part of the 38-man team are Andrew Porter, Garry Ringrose, Josh van der Flier (World Rugby Men’s XVs 2022 Player of the Year), James Ryan, each having been an UCD Ad Astra Elite scholar, and Hugo Keenan.
High performance analyst and UCD alumnus Vinny Hammond has also been named as part of the backroom for the Lions, serving as Head of Analysis for a third time.
“Vinny’s Lions pedigree from touring New Zealand and South Africa brings continuity and Lions experience, which will be crucial to success down under,” said British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell earlier this year.
An unprecedented number of UCD RFC players and members have been named on the 2025 British and Irish Lions Squad: Hugo Keenan, Andrew Porter, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, and Josh van der Flier and analyst Vinny Hammond.
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Fifteen Ireland players - nine forwards and six backs - have been included in the British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour to Australia. Ten of the Irish contingent are first-time Lions.
Captained by England’s Maro Itoje in his third tour, the Lions will kick off the tour against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, June 20, before they head to Australia.
Earning a place on a Lions squad is one of the highest honours in rugby, and IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts said selection for the 2025 tour was “a testament to each player’s dedication, skill, and consistency”.
“It also reflects the incredible work done by their clubs, schools, provinces, coaches, and supports – especially their families – throughout their journeys.
“We know they will represent Ireland and the Lions jersey with pride and excellence. We wish Andy (Farrell), the squad, and staff every success on this exciting tour.”
Selection to the British & Irish Lions is open to players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The team tours every four years, with these rotating between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in order.
The 2025 tour sees the squad scheduled to play a three-match test series against the Australia national team, as well as matches against Australia's four Super Rugby franchises, one against an invitational side made up of players from Australia and New Zealand, and another match against a side made of players with First Nations and Pasifika origin.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
