Scotland scrum-half Ben White has been called up to the British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, marking a significant moment in the Toulon player's career. White joins the prestigious touring side as a replacement for Wales' Tomos Williams, who was unfortunately ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
White, who was with the Scotland squad in New Zealand for their Pacific Tour, received the news from Lions head coach Andy Farrell and promptly flew to Australia to join the team. An ecstatic White described the call-up as an "incredible honour" and a dream come true.
The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for both his French club, Toulon, and the Scottish national team. He has firmly established himself as Scotland's first-choice scrum-half, forming a potent partnership with fly-half Finn Russell. His consistent performances in the Six Nations and for his club made him a strong contender for the initial squad, and his eventual inclusion has been widely welcomed.
White has already made his debut for the Lions, featuring in their victory over the NSW Waratahs. His journey to this career highpoint has seen him play for Leicester Tigers, where he was the club's youngest-ever Premiership player, and London Irish before his move to the Top 14.
The call-up is a testament to White's perseverance and skill, capping a remarkable rise for the player who, despite representing England at age-grade levels, has become a key figure for Scotland since declaring his allegiance through his Scottish grandfather in 2022. He now joins a strong contingent of Scottish players in the Lions squad, ready to compete for a test spot against the Wallabies.
