Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe complement an exciting mix of talent such as Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, writes MARK KEOHANE.
South African Scotland internationals Van der Merwe and Schoeman were on Thursday included in Andy Farrell’s 38-man group for their tour of Australia in July/August.
There are also three New Zealanders (Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe) and two Australians (Mack Hansen and Sione Tuipulotu) in the squad, which will be captained by Englishman Maro Itoje.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane notes Van der Merwe has overcome injury concerns to earn selection after establishing himself as a standout pick during the 2021 series in his homeland, while Edinburgh’s Schoeman’s consistent performances for club and country secured his place.
He argues that Pollock’s stunning try, 18 tackles and involvement in 21 defensive rucks during Northampton Saints’ Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster, along with teammate Freeman’s hat-trick, showcased perfect timing before Farrell’s announcement.
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“South African blood, in the front row and out wide on the wing, will fuel the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in July. Congratulations Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe,” Keohane writes.
“Van der Merwe, whose professional career started at the Bulls in Pretoria, was a bolter choice for the 2021 tour and quickly established himself as the first-choice Test winger.
“Schoeman, who traded the Bulls for Edinburgh, has been consistent at club and international level, and the selection of him and Van der Merwe mean there are as many Afrikaans-speaking players in the Lions squad as there are Welsh.
“Schoeman joins Van der Merwe (Scotland), Mike Catt (England), Matt Stevens (England), Brad Barritt (England), CJ Stander (Ireland) and Allan Dell (Scotland) as South African-born and raised players who sought international careers among the home unions and became members of the esteemed British & Irish Lions family.”
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