Duo named in British & Irish Lions squad for 1888 Cup opener

Pierre Schoeman and Duhan der Merwe have both been selected in the British & Irish Lions team face Argentina at the Aviva Stadium this Friday (20 June). The match, kicking off at 8 pm, marks the beginning of the 2025 Lions tour to Australia.

Duhan van der Merwe makes a welcome return to action, featuring for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury in late March.

For loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman, it’s set to be momentous occasion in Dublin as he earns his first-ever selection in the famous red jersey from the replacements.

This Friday’s fixture against Argentina for the 1888 Cup kicks off an exciting 2025 Lions tour, which will see the squad play a total of ten matches.

Following the Dublin clash, the team will embark on their journey to Australia. There, they will face Super Rugby sides the Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies, along with a match against an Invitational Australia/New Zealand XV.

The much-anticipated three-Test series against the Wallabies begins on July 19th at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

This will be followed by a fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV. The second Test is scheduled for the iconic MCG in Melbourne, with the series decider taking place at Accor Stadium in Sydney.