British & Irish Lions confirms NINE game schedule for 2025 tour
British and Irish LionsThursday, 20 March 2025 at 09:47
The British & Irish Lions have confirmed a First Nations and Pasifika XV as their new opponents for the 12 July clash in Melbourne.
The fixture was initially set against the Melbourne Rebels, but with the debt-ridden club now defunct, Rugby Australia has secured a replacement that promises to showcase exciting talent.
Ian Foster Joins “Fourth Test” Coaching Staff
In another major development, Rugby Australia announced that former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster will be part of the coaching team for the unofficial “fourth Test” against a combined Australia-New Zealand XV. The match will take place at Adelaide Oval and is expected to be a highlight of the tour.
Blockbuster Tests and Historic Venues Await
Andy Farrell’s Lions will take on Australia in three blockbuster Tests at some of the country’s most iconic venues. The schedule includes:
- Stadium Australia, Sydney
- Melbourne Cricket Ground – where a crowd of 100,000 is anticipated
- Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
In addition to these marquee clashes, the Lions will meet Australia’s four Super Rugby teams and the newly confirmed First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne during their tour, which runs from 28 June to 2 August.
Phil Waugh Hails Cultural Showcase
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh expressed his excitement about the inclusion of the First Nations and Pasifika XV, stating:
“We’re thrilled to be able to confirm the First Nations and Pasifika XV match in Melbourne, which will be a great celebration of those who continue to contribute enormously to the Australian rugby community.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to confirm the First Nations and Pasifika XV match in Melbourne, which will be a great celebration of those who continue to contribute enormously to the Australian rugby community.”
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Lions Chief Calveley Excited for Unique Fixture
Lions chief Ben Calveley echoed Waugh’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of the fixture:
“This is a match everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and heritage that enriches Australian rugby.”
“This is a match everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and heritage that enriches Australian rugby.”
Ticket Frenzy as Fans Snap Up Seats
Waugh’s announcement coincided with the release of the final batch of tickets, with an estimated 500,000 fans expectedacross the nine games. Demand has been unprecedented, with initial tickets selling out in just 60 minutes.
Lions Eye Another Historic Series Win
The Lions only face Australia once every 12 years. Their last encounter in 2013, under Warren Gatland, ended with a 2-1 series victory. Andy Farrell’s squad will now look to replicate that success in 2025.
Lions 2025 Schedule
Saturday, 28 June: vs Western Force, Perth Stadium
Wednesday, 2 July: vs Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 5 July: vs Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday, 9 July: vs Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Saturday, 12 July: vs Invitational Australian and New Zealand XV, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, 19 July: vs Wallabies, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Tuesday, 22 July: vs First Nations and Pasifika XV, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, 26 July: vs Wallabies, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 2 August: vs Wallabies, Stadium Australia, Sydney
Wednesday, 2 July: vs Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 5 July: vs Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday, 9 July: vs Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Saturday, 12 July: vs Invitational Australian and New Zealand XV, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, 19 July: vs Wallabies, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Tuesday, 22 July: vs First Nations and Pasifika XV, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, 26 July: vs Wallabies, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 2 August: vs Wallabies, Stadium Australia, Sydney
2025 British & Irish Lions Squad: Bookies’ Predictions for the Tour
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) - 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) - 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) - 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) - 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) - 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) - 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) - 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) - 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) - 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) - 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) - 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) - 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) - 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) - 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) - 11/10
PROP (3)
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) - 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) - 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) - 4/6
- Fin Baxter (England) - 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) - 5/4
HOOKER (3)
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) - 1/10
- Jamie George (England) - 8/15
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - 6/5
LOCK (5)
- Maro Itoje (England) - 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) - 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) - 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) - 8/11
- George Martin (England) - 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) - 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) - 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) - 1/3
- Tom Curry (England) - 8/15
- Jack Morgan (Wales) - 4/6
- Ben Curry (England) - 6/4
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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