Tuipulotu and Cummings set for British & Irish Lions debuts

Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings will each make their first appearance for the British & Irish Lions this Friday night, after both men were named in Andy Farrell’s matchday 23 to take on Argentina in Dublin in the 1888 Cup.

The fixture – which serves as the first outing for the squad ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia – will mark the first meeting between the Lions and Argentina in 20 years, the two squads having played out a 25-25 draw in Cardiff ahead of the 2005 tour.

Tuipulotu’s selection sees the centre line up in the number 13 jersey, after a campaign that has seen the 28-year-old cement his reputation as one of the global game’s premier midfielders.

A series of Player of the Match-winning performances against Cardiff, the DHL Stormers, Edinburgh and Racing 92 showcased his full range of skills in the Glasgow midfield, with Tuipulotu also having served as Scotland captain for the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

Cummings is named amongst the replacements, having developed into an integral member of the pack for both club and country since making his professional debut back in 2015.

He made 16 appearances in all competitions in Glasgow colours across the 2024/25 campaign, his form winning him a spot on a first-ever British & Irish Lions tour.

The Lions kick-off their campaign at the Aviva Stadium this Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm – supporters can watch the match live on Sky Sports.