2025 British & Irish Lions forced into late change, replacement announced

Friday, 18 July 2025 at 14:54

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byRugby Rucker

at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.

The British & Irish Lions were originally scheduled to take on the Melbourne Rebels at Marvel Stadium on 22 July, between the first two Tests of their 2025 tour. However, that fixture has now been cancelled.

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Despite being named in the original tour schedule, the Rebels entered voluntary administration in January 2024. Rugby Australia later confirmed that it had rejected a proposal from a consortium to take over the club's licence from 2025.

A statement from Rugby Australia (RA) said the consortium's proposals "did not demonstrate sufficient financial viability" and noted that no documentary evidence had been provided to support a projected 18 million Australian dollars (£9.3 million) in funding.

"Since the Rebels' inaugural year in 2011, (the Rebels have) not been independently financially sustainable despite significant additional investment by RA over and above committed club grants," the statement said.

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For the first time in 12 years, the Lions are coming 🦁Don’t miss a minute of the action when Melbourne Rebels take on the British & Irish Lions on 22nd July 2025! Tickets on sale now: bit.ly/491oMX3

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3:00 AM · Mar 21, 2024

Lions Lock in Blockbuster First Nations & Pasifika Clash

With the Rebels match now off the table, the British & Irish Lions have confirmed a historic new fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

“It is fantastic to confirm the match schedule for the 2025 Tour with the added fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium – a game that everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about,” said Ben Calveley, CEO of the British & Irish Lions.

“With the Tour schedule confirmed, we are also excited to see the final ticket allocation released,” Calveley added. “Together we are set to welcome more than half a million fans at games in 2025 for what will be an amazing spectacle in one of the greatest sporting countries in the world.

“For our own Lions supporters, Wallabies fans and global sporting fanatics, this is the last opportunity to purchase tickets and be part of what will be a truly special six weeks.”

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List

Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn’t mean every player is a fan favourite.

In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition — whether it’s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being

toodamn good.

With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you

#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.

RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”

#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)

Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.

Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.

RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”

#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship

Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.

Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.

RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”

#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)

Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England

When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.

He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.

RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”

#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)

Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)

Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.

He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.

RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”

#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)

The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking

The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.