Sheehan embraces captaincy role for Lions' Perth opener

Dan Sheehan will lead the British & Irish Lions into their opening fixture of the 2025 Australia tour against the Western Force on June 28 in Perth.

The Leinster hooker has been handed the captaincy in what will be his first appearance in a Lions jersey on tour.

Reflecting on his elevation to skipper, Sheehan said, “I just need to be myself.”

He admitted the decision caught him by surprise, but expressed pride in taking on the responsibility.

With several debutants in the squad and a strong Irish presence, Sheehan’s calm and confident demeanor is seen as a stabilizing influence.

The squad named for the Western Force clash includes eight Irish players in the starting XV, with three more on the bench. Among the debutants are Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, and exciting young No. 8 Henry Pollock.

Speaking about the camaraderie forming within the squad, Sheehan added, “You go from despising people to having coffee,” referring to his newfound rapport with England’s Ellis Genge—underscoring the spirit of unity in the Lions camp.

Following a narrow loss to Argentina, head coach Andy Farrell made 13 changes to the starting lineup. Only Tadhg Beirne and Sione Tuipulotu retain their places.

Finn Russell will start at fly-half alongside Tomos Williams, while Elliot Daly and Mack Hansen strengthen the backline. Farrell praised the squad’s attitude during training and said Sheehan’s appointment was a natural choice, citing his maturity and consistency.

Sheehan urged his team to match the intensity of the Western Force, who are expected to field Wallabies star Ben Donaldson and treat the match as a major test.

“They will be 150 percent of what they usually are… But I don’t want them to think that they’re going to be hungrier than us,” he said, issuing a challenge to both his teammates and the opposition.