British & Irish Lions could face FIVE different countries in 2025

The Aussies are hoping to add a revolutionary twist to the 2025 Lions tour by inviting the Pacific Island nations (Fiji, Samoa and Tonga) to join the match roster.

The next hosts want to create a blockbuster spectacle for returning fans, with a pledge for entertaining rugby and the possibility of 100,000-strong crowds.

Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan revealed: 'People are already excited about it. The Lions is the high point in the calendar but it's the fans that complete it. We want it to be full blown, with as many of them over here as possible.

'We want to anchor it back into what a traditional Lions tour looks like for the fans and the players. We want to deliver competitive games against our teams and we'd also like to bring in countries like Fiji and Tonga. We want to boost the marketability of the tour and that's what a lot of people would love to see.'

There have also been unconfirmed reports like, as they did in 2005, the Lions could face Argentina in a 'home' test match following the success of the clash against Japan at Murrayfield.

PA: "When Dan Luger pulled out with an injury a strange call-up was made by Graham Henry in 2001. A career blighted by injury, only managing 14 caps for Ireland he must count himself lucky to have represented the Lions."

RUCK: The 30-year-old, who had only won six caps for Ireland at the time, was pencilled in on the Lions' standby list following some impressive Heineken Cup displays for Ulster. Can't really argue with what PA have said.

VERDICT: Justified

PA: "Choosing to select an enormous 44-man squad, Clive Woodward made several left field selections. None more so than a Sale Sharks hooker with only two caps for England. His technical and physical skills were not good enough for the Lions."

RUCK: He shouldn't have been near that squad

VERDICT: Justified

"Whilst not selected for the Test team, the London Irish man must be considered one of the strangest call-ups in Lions history, joining the squad while on holiday with his family in 2013. He made no real impact to the trip but held up the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels."

PA: "Another bizarre call-up on the 2013 tour, the inside centre was brought in due to the glut of injuries sustained in the midfield. Now stranded in the international wilderness, one must assume he was fetched due to the convenience of him playing for England in Argentina."

RUCK: It may be easy to forget, but Twelvetrees was one of the most exciting talents in Europe when he was called up. He'd impressed for England in his four caps, and looked set for a bright international future. This pick feels more deemed on the use of hindsight.

VERDICT: Bit harsh

"First capped in 1984, he only represented England ten times, frequently criticised for his inability to convert his magnificent form for Bath onto the international stage. Ultimately after a torrid tour, losing six of 13 matches played, Barnes served as a perfect microcosm for its inadequate results in 1993, just not good enough."

RUCK: I wasn't born

Verdict: Up to you