Rose and Molinari named playing captains for Team Cup

Francesco Molinari (left) captained Continental Europe to victory in the Team Cup in 2023

Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari have been confirmed as the playing captains for the 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi.

The Team Cup sees Great Britain and Ireland take on Continental Europe over three days in a Ryder Cup-style matchplay contest.

Italy's Molinari led Continental Europe to victory in the inaugural edition in 2023, while Englishman Rose will captain Great Britain and Ireland for the first time.

The 2025 tournament is taking place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort's National Course from 10-12 January.

"It’ll be strange going up against Fran in a matchplay competition rather than him being on the same side," Rose said.

"But it’s something I am really looking forward to, even though I know it will be tough given Fran’s history not just in this contest but in the Ryder Cup too.

"There is so much exciting talent from Great Britain and Ireland on the DP World Tour right now – it will be great to have the chance to try and mould them into a winning team."

Molinari added: "I’m delighted to have the opportunity to captain Continental Europe again and to try and successfully defend the Team Cup.

"It was a really special week in 2023 and was great to see players from so many different countries across the continent working towards one single goal.

"I have immense respect for Justin, he is a great competitor and going up against him and his team is a challenge I’m really relishing."

The pair will take charge of 10-strong teams made up of the leading four available Continental European and GB&I members from the final 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings, plus five wildcard picks.

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will oversee the event and consult on the selections made by Rose and Molinari.

"I’m really pleased that the Team Cup is returning as it provided some invaluable experience for a lot of players last year," Donald said.

"I think all of us got a lot out of the week in terms of experiencing the uniqueness of a team environment.

"It also helped everyone involved to understand, through the past Ryder Cup captains who came and spoke to the players during the event, just what it means to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup."