Sky Sports’ enduring partnership with the British & Irish Lions continues as they have secured the broadcasting rights for the 2025 tour of Australia.
This marks the eighth consecutive time that Sky Sports will be covering the Lions Tour, with their association commencing in 1997 during the triumphant series in South Africa.
Since their last tour of Australia in 2013, led by Warren Gatland to a Test series victory, the Lions have navigated through subsequent tours in New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021. However, for the 2025 tour, Gatland has ruled himself out of contention for the coaching role and endorsed Andy Farrell as his successor.
A highlight of the forthcoming nine-match tour in 2025 will be a historic encounter against a combined XV from New Zealand and Australia, set to take place in Adelaide. This unique clash will serve as a prelude to the Test matches against the Wallabies, which are scheduled to be held in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
The potential of filling the Melbourne Cricket Ground to its 100,000-seat capacity could set new attendance records for a Lions Test match, promising a sold-out spectacle. The series will culminate with over 80,000 enthusiastic fans converging at Sydney’s Olympic Park for the final showdown.
“We are delighted to announce the tour schedule as we look ahead to what is to be one of the most eagerly anticipated series in history,” said Lions chief executive Ben Calveley.
The 2025 Lions tour fixtures in full
- Saturday 28 June: v Western Force, Optus Stadium, Perth
- Wednesday 2 July: v Queensland Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Saturday 5 July: v New South Wales Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Wednesday 9 July: v ACT Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Saturday 12 July: v Invitational Australia & NZ XV, Adelaide Oval
- Saturday 19 July: First Test, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Tuesday 22 July: v Melbourne Rebels, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
- Saturday 26 July: Second Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Saturday 2 August: Third Test, Accor Stadium, Sydney
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The 30 best rugby players in the world have been ranked
#30. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
A rising Irish hooker known for his powerful scrummaging and dynamic play in open field. Sheehan’s agility and tackling prowess make him a vital asset in set pieces and loose play alike, hinting at a promising future in international rugby
#29. Owen Farrell (England)
England’s steadfast captain and fly-half, Farrell’s tactical brilliance and accurate kicking guide his team’s gameplay. Renowned for his leadership, his defensive grit and ability to control the game’s pace make him a linchpin in England’s rugby strategy.
Wales Online wrote: “The 31-year-old has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently but is a player you’d rather play with than against. Farrell is a natural leader of men, and will play a crucial role if England are to drag themselves out of the rut they find themselves in.”
#28. Thibaud Flament (France)
A versatile lock for France, Flament’s towering presence in the lineout and ferocious work rate define his style. With his strong carrying and breakdown skills, he is a force to be reckoned with in both set-piece dominance and open-field encounters.
#27. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)
Frizzell’s imposing physique and aggressive ball-carrying mark him as a formidable All Black flanker. His offloading ability, coupled with his defensive prowess, cements his position as a player who consistently makes his presence felt on the field.
#26. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
An anchor of the Springboks’ scrum, Kitshoff’s experience and technical expertise are unmatched. His exceptional work rate and relentless tackling contribute to his reputation as a reliable front-row stalwart, key to South Africa’s forward dominance.