Champion de Crespigny to Debut for Wallabies Against British & Irish Lions
The Wallabies have announced their squad to face the British & Irish Lions in the opening match of their three-Test series, with Canberra junior Nick Champion de Crespigny set to make his highly anticipated Test debut on Saturday, July 19th at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This selection marks a remarkable ascent for the flanker, whose career path has included a stint in the French Top 14 before his return to Australian Rugby with the Western Force ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The team also sees several changes from the side that recently defeated Fiji in Newcastle. Notably, Tom Lynagh will take the flyhalf position, wearing the number 10 jersey and poised to follow in his father Michael’s footsteps – a feat achieved previously when Michael Lynagh donned the same jersey against the Lions in 1989. “It’s a special occasion for the Lynagh family and a testament to Tom’s talent,” a senior rugby analyst commented.
Adding experience to the lineup, scrumhalf Jake Gordon and hooker Matt Faessler, who recently gained valuable experience against the Lions with the Queensland Reds, have also been named in the starting XV. The forward pack will be anchored by Test record holder James Slipper, alongside fellow centurion George Smith, making them the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions Series in the professional era.
Lock partners Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will again start in the second row, while Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson will complete the loose forward trio alongside Champion de Crespigny. Wilson will captain the side from the number eight jersey. In the midfield, the experienced Len Ikitau will partner with the young talent Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, marking their fifth appearance together in the Wallabies’ center pairing. Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen will feature on the wings, with Tom Wright retaining his position at fullback for the 14th time in the last 15 Test matches.
The replacements include Dubbo junior Tom Robertson, returning as the replacement tighthead prop after a hiatus since 2022, alongside Billy Pollard and Angus Bell in the front row. Versatile players Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano provide further forward cover. Tate McDermott, a familiar face at Suncorp Stadium as Queensland captain, will offer spark as the replacement scrumhalf, while Ben Donaldson is again selected as the substitute playmaker. Andrew Kellaway, with 39 Test appearances, will bring experience from the number 23 jersey, marking his 40th Test for his country.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt emphasized the team’s preparation, stating, “The whole squad has worked hard as a group to prepare for what’s going to a massive challenge against an in-form Lions team.” He further added, “With the short runway leading up to such a big Test match, we know we must adapt fast and improve quickly, from the performance we had against Fiji recently. We’re very much aware of the occasion and conscious of earning the support from the public through the effort they see on the field.”
Wallabies Team to Play British & Irish Lions
- Date: Saturday, July 19th, 2025
- Time: 7:45 PM AEST
- Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Starting XV:
- James Slipper (144 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
- Matt Faessler (14 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints
- Allan Alaalatoa (81 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
- Nick Frost (26 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
- Jeremy Williams (11 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
- Nick Champion de Crespigny* – Canberra Grammar School
- Fraser McReight (26 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
- Harry Wilson (c) (23 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
- Jake Gordon (29 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
- Tom Lynagh (3 Tests) – #977; University of Queensland
- Harry Potter (3 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
- Len Ikitau (40 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (5 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
- Max Jorgensen (8 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
- Tom Wright (38 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes:
- Billy Pollard (7 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
- Angus Bell (37 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
- Tom Robertson (31 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
- Tom Hooper (11 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
- Carlo Tizzano (6 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
- Tate McDermott (42 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
- Ben Donaldson (17 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
- Andrew Kellaway (39 Tests) – #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
*denotes Test debut
The selection of Champion de Crespigny and the inclusion of experienced players signal the Wallabies’ intent to deliver a strong performance against a formidable Lions side. The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling contest for rugby fans across Australia and beyond.
