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The British & Irish Lions will break new ground by printing names on the back of their players’ shirts for the first time when they face Argentina in Dublin on Friday night.
While such a scenario has been commonplace in football for years, it is a relatively fresh development in rugby.
The 2024 men’s Six Nations was the first tournament in which all six competing teams did so. England’s men’s players have worn named match jerseys since the autumn of 2022.
Now, the Lions are understood to be set to follow suit in 2025.
Andy Farrell’s players will have their names printed above their playing number both against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium and on their upcoming nine-match tour of Australia.
Northern hemisphere rugby’s historic side have never previously done so, with past players used to wearing just their number on the back alongside tour sponsors.
The British & Irish Lions players will have their names on the back of their match shirts for the first time when they face Argentina at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Friday night
The move is designed to grow rugby's popularity. The Lions have never previously done so
As rugby continues to try and grow its popularity and reach new audiences, the sport has tried a number of new and different initiatives.
Putting player names on the back of shirts is designed to grow the appeal of the stars on the field and also help attract new and casual fans.
It has happened not before time and is a very positive move for rugby.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said in 2022: ‘We think player names on shirts may have the potential to bring fans closer to the international stars of our game and we look forward to seeing the reaction to this initiative.’
Named Lions shirts will be worn by all 23 members of each matchday playing squad and will also be on sale to supporters.
Lions head coach Andy Farrell will have his team's performance critiqued by his son Owen
Lions boss Farrell heaped the pressure on son Owen ahead of his broadcast debut.
Owen Farrell, a three-time Lions tourist as a player, will be part of Sky Sports’ coverage of the team’s pre-tour fixture with Argentina in Dublin on Friday.
It means he’ll be passing judgement on the team led by his father Andy.
When asked about his son’s first television punditry stint, Andy Farrell said: ‘He'll be nervous for that. I'll put it on record and watch it back, definitely!’
Fresh from starring in his team’s Gallagher Premiership final win, Lions fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new contract with Bath. Russell is 32, so his new deal until 2028 is likely to see him end his career at The Rec.
Russell is not involved against Argentina, but was a key figure as Bath claimed an historic club treble this season.
Lions No 10 Finn Russell has signed a new contract with Bath after winning the Premiership
Russell said: ‘I have loved my time at Bath. It’s a great team and a great club.
‘We’ve come a long way over the last couple of years and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve.’
Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will make his long-awaited return from a shoulder injury when England take on a France XV on Saturday.
Steve Borthwick’s side will be without their Lions players. Feyi-Waboso is the headline inclusion given he hasn’t played since December.
Jamie George, who started the week training with the Lions, and George Ford are co-captains.
England side to face France XV: Joe Carpenter; Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Seb Atkinson, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; George Ford (co-capt), Ben Spencer; Fin Baxter, Jamie George (co-capt), Joe Heyes, Alex Coles, Nick Isiekwe, Ted Hill, Guy Pepper, Tom Willis
Replacements: Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Jack Kenningham, Alex Dombrandt, Raffi Quirke, Oscar Beard
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will make his long-awaited return from injury for England on Saturday
