The Rugby World Cup has come to an end and, naturally, the next objective for almost every international player in Great Britain and Ireland is the Lions’ trip to Australia in two years’ time.

The Lions tour will seem a long way off to many as the head coach has yet to be announced, but things will move very quickly. The Lions will travel to Australia in disarray on and off the field after a dreadful World Cup campaign that saw the Wallabies fail to qualify from their group for the first time in their history.

After narrowly losing the Test series to South Africa last time, the Lions will also be desperate to get back to winning ways and emulate the class of 2013 that blew the Wallabies out of the water. While it would be easy to pick the Lions Test side as it stands, it is harder to predict what will happen in a few years.

rugby correspondent Stefan Tomás Choose the team you think could play against Australia in 2025.

15. Hugo Keenan

Keenan has been one of the main reasons for Leinster and Ireland’s success in recent years. Many experts may choose Englishman Freddie Steward, but Keenan is the best all-rounder.

The Leinsterman is strong in the air and in defense, he also has a good sense of positioning, but his offensive game is on another level. Keenan is one of the most dangerous running backs in the game, as well as a smart playmaker.

He’ll be 29 in two years, so he should be in his prime.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit

The Welsh sprinter is one of the most prolific players in the world, he is just 22 years old and in two years he will be even better. Rhys-Zammit has blistering pace and has perfected the art of the chip and chase, reminiscent of Welsh legend JJ Williams.

He is also strong defensively and in the air while looking for work. If he can shine in a Wales team that is underpowered compared to many of the top nations, imagine how effective he will be in a fully equipped Lions Test team?

Its potential is frightening.

13. Harry Ringrose

The 28-year-old has been the linchpin of the Irish defense for many seasons but has not received the recognition he deserves. Ringrose is an extremely agile player, who tends to evade defenders and at the same time distributes the ball excellently.

Defensively, the Leinster star is also stable and makes excellent defensive reads. He is a big part of Leinster and Ireland’s success and is the clear favorite to wear the Lions’ number 13 shirt in 2025, injuries permitting.

Class act.

12. Sione Tuipulotu

The Glasgow Warriors center has stood out in Scotland in recent seasons thanks to his explosive play and dancing feet that have put his family at the forefront. He is also an intelligent football player with an effective offloading game who can play either tight or loose depending on the game plan.

In defense he doesn’t fail much either. Tuipulotu could act as a great complement to Ringrose and is a partnership that could flourish.

Bundy Aki would be ready for the World Cup, but in two years he will turn 35 and his Irish team-mate Robbie Henshaw is injured. Nick Tompkins is an underdog, but Tuipulotu has the advantage.

11. Duan van der Merwe

The 28-year-old is a truly world-class winger who scores tries for fun. Given that he will turn 30 in 2025, he should be in a strong position to make the Lions’ second run.

The Scottish star will bring a huge physical advantage to complement Rees-Zammit’s pace on the other flank. Van der Merwe is a very explosive ball carrier and would be difficult to stop the Wallabies, especially if he dominates the Lions pack.

10. Owen Farrell

Yes, the Saracens ace will be 34 when the Lions tour begins, but if Johnny Sexton can play in the World Cup when he turns 38 then he should be within Farrell’s capabilities. Opinion is divided, but Farrell is arguably the best outside midfielder in the northern hemisphere and is a player you will definitely want to be around when the going gets tough.

The England international is a world-class goalkeeper and his game management is second to none, while his attacking game is much better than people think. Whoever coaches the Lions will need his leadership skills, and while there are other options like Finn Russell, George Ford and Marcus Smith, Farrell takes the top spot.

9. Nathan Doak

He is a challenge in left field, but the 21-year-old Ulster number nine is a serious prospect with big things ahead of him as he represents Ireland at his age. Doak has been quite impressive for Ulster both in Europe and in the Rugby United Championship.

The Ulster man has a very good running game, while his kicking and game management are very good for a 21-year-old. Doak is also a very good batsman, which won’t hurt his chances of winning international titles.

Jamieson Gibson-Park has been excellent for Ireland and, although he has ambitions to go on the Lions tour, he will be 33 in two years’ time. One would expect Andy Farrell to start bleeding Doak over the next few years, and if he can reach his potential, he could be a true bolter in 2025.

8. Kelan Doris

The Leinster and Ireland eighth team have been sensational in recent years and were named World Rugby Team of the Year on Sunday. Doris, who can also play as a winger, is a very dynamic ball carrier with a very good skill set.

The 25-year-old almost always puts his team on the attack, while he is tireless in defense and offers a lot on the counterattack. Wales’ veteran No.8 Taulupe Faletau was never going to be ruled out, but in 2025 Dorris is expected to have a clear pole position to bounce back at the end of the Lions scrum.

7. Jack Morgan (captain)

The captain of Wales’ second FIFA World Cup squad was truly inspirational in France, leading the team first and winning the hearts and minds of fans. The Ospreys star will be 25 if selected for the Australian tour and will probably be even better than he is now, which is scary.

Morgan is an open team that can do it all, carry, get returns, attack and offload. He will face stiff competition from the likes of Josh van der Flier, Tom Curry and Jack Willis, but has every chance of making the tour. Read my weekly column in our rugby newsletter.

Morgan is the type of player who elevates those around him, which makes him a strong candidate for captaincy.

6. Ben Earle

Earl had to wait patiently for back-to-back international rugby wins, but he seized the opportunity. The Saracens star was arguably England’s best striker at the World Cup and was outstanding throughout, especially in the heartbreaking semi-final defeat to South Africa.

He may have gotten 8th place in France, but I think he’s better off in the dead end and could get along well with Doris. Earle has a lot going for him, whether it’s his carry, his devastating tackling and his ability to earn break point turnovers.

5. Tadhg Beirne

Byrne will be 33 in two years, but he still has a lot to offer. The Irish star is a true world-class player and brings something that few players have.

Former Scarlets player Beirne is better than most world-class sides on the counter-attack, whilst also being a dynamic carrier in both narrow channels and wide spaces. Beirne is an excellent striker and his sheer physicality is also a huge advantage.

4. Joe McCarthy

Joe McCarthy may not be a household name, but there’s a good chance he’ll become one in the coming seasons. The 21-year-old Leinster player was a member of Ireland’s World Cup squad and, although he is not as experienced as others, he has impressed every time he has taken to the field.

McCarthy is an extremely physical tight end who excels as a tight end, but is also very dynamic for someone of his size and power. The New York native is the type of player who does much of the dirty work unseen while also being a great striker.

He has a great future in the game.

3. Tadhg Furlong

The 30-year-old will remain in the role until 2025 and is likely to compete for a place in the Test squad. A large, modern car that is without a doubt the best family car on the planet.

The Leinsterman can do it all, whether it’s a 40-metre overhead throw, a cat’s volley, a devastating scrum and his relentless defence. If fit, he will start Test matches, as he did in 2017 and 2021.

2. Dan Sheehan

The 25-year-old was another World Rugby Team of the Year pick on Sunday night, and no one can say he doesn’t deserve it. Sheehan is versatile, with incredible speed for a top striker. Join the new WalesOnline Rugby WhatsApp channel here

It’s unusual for the Leinster hooker to try to score from 40-50 yards, but he doesn’t shy away from his duties as a tight end. He is a very physical carrier, powerful in defense and very good on the ball. Sheehan’s line shooting is also a very strong point of his game.

1. Gareth Thomas

Newcastle player Emlyn is one of the most underrated players in European rugby. Thomas is a very reliable scrumager who works hard, especially in defense.

The Ospreys player racked up 49 tackles during Wales’ World Cup campaign, although he typically does a lot of underhanded work such as clearing rucks and running at tight end. Thomas will be 32 before the start of the Lions tour, which many would say is the perfect age to be a prop.

Substitutions

16. Devi Lake

He needs to figure out his shot, but he has the potential to be world class. Lake is an extremely physical carrier, not unlike Malcolm Marx in the way he acts when he passes out.

17. Ellis Genge

The English firebrand is the perfect type of player you want off the bench. Very explosive and dynamic who should open some holes in Australia’s defense in the fourth quarter.

18. Zander Fagerson

The Scottish tight is a strong scrum and is offered as a carrying option. He brings a lot of experience from the 2021 Lions tour.

19. Maro Itoje

The experienced England international hasn’t been at his best over the last year, but form is temporary and class is permanent. He stood out in England’s semi-final defeat to South Africa and his experience could be invaluable in Australia.

20. Josh van der Flier

The former World Player of the Year is one of the best breakaway players on the planet and has the potential to cause havoc as a second-half substitute.

21. Jamison Gibson Park

Ireland’s first international will turn 33 in 2025 but could be the ideal player to offer experience off the bench and finish the game.

22. Marco Smith

An outrageous talent who should be at his peak when the Lions tour Australia in 2025. Smith can create things out of nothing.

23. Henry Arundell

One of the most interesting defenders in the world. Australia’s difficult terrain should suit his style of rugby and he would be a small man to come off the bench when the match is over.