Reports tonight suggest that have Qatar began a major move into rugby by holding talks about hosting a British and Irish Lions Test in 2025.
According to the Mail Online, the gulf nation looks to capitalise on staging the World Cup with more mega-events in the country
Qatar's bid to host the Lions involves a one-off game in preparation for the 2025 series in Australia, similar to the game that took place between the tourists and Barbarians in Hong Kong back in 2013.
A source told the publication: 'The success of the World Cup has shown that we can stage the biggest international events in this country,'
'Qatar is already due to stage the 2030 Asian Games and there's talk of an Olympic bid in 2036 so we're focusing on growing the Olympic sports. Rugby Sevens fits with that model and we have the infrastructure to stage global events.
'A full rugby World Cup would be beyond us, but we could definitely stage a one-off Lions Test and a Sevens tournament. Sevens only needs one stadium and is completed in three days.'
All Blacks and Wallabies to combine:
It has been confirmed that a combined Wallabies and All Blacks team could face the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
In 2021, the famous touring Lions are due to play three tests against the Wallabies in Australia.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has proposed an additional clash involving players from both sides of the Tasman Sea at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of the tour.
"We've talked to the Kiwis about hosting an ANZAC team against the Lions in 2025 and they're considering the idea," McLennan told the Daily Mail.
"I'm in no doubt it would be a belter and we'd sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.
"The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage."
Next British & Irish Lions Head Coach
| Andy Farrell | 2/1 |
| Gregor Townsend | 7/2 |
| Ronan O'Gara | 4/1 |
| Eddie Jones | 8/1 |
| Joe Schmit | 8/1 |
| Wayne Pivac | 10/1 |
| Mark McCall | 16/1 |
| Pat Lam | 16/1 |
| Scott Robertson | 16/1 |
| Dai Young | 20/1 |
| Graham Henry | 20/1 |
| Stuart Lancaster | 20/1 |
| Alun Wyn Jones | 66/1 |
Will Greenwood: 2025 Lions XV
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
- 14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
- 11. Adam Radwan (England)
Greenwood on Radwan: "The Newcastle Falcon might be raw, but if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. We’ve seen Cheslin Kolbe hot-step his way to a series-clinching try; Radwan could do the same."
Greenwood on Rees-Zammit: "The Welshman saw his opportunities limited on the tour to South Africa but in the short periods he did feature you could tell there was a star in the making."
Our selection: Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), Adam Radwan (England), Freddie Steward (England)
#CENTRES:
- 13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
- 12. Cameron Redpath (Scotland)
Greenwood on Redpath: "I am convinced that Redpath would have toured South Africa this year were it not for the serious knee injury sustained while in action for Bath."
Our selection: Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Cameron Redpath (Scotland)
#HALFBACKS:
- 10. Marcus Smith (England)
- 9. Tomos Williams (Wales)
Greenwood on Smith: "He only had time for one appearance, but the outrageous, audacious manner in which he inspired Harlequins to their second Premiership title proves he is developing wonderfully. By 2025, he could be one of the world’s best fly-halves."
Our selection: Marcus Smith (England), Jamie Robie (Scotland)
#FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Ellis Genge (England)
- 2. Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- 3. Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Greenwood on Genge: "With the ball in hands, Genge offers a threat that no other loosehead can match – he is unique in that regard – and still might have made a surprising impact in South Africa."
Our selection:Ellis Genge (England), Alfie Barbeary (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland)
#SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (England, captain)
- 5. Adam Beard (Wales)
Greenwood on Itoje: "As things stand, there is simply no one else who could captain this side. Australia will be his third Lions tour and he will be just 30 in 2025. Itoje could quite easily match Alun Wyn Jones and play on four straight tours – and 12 straight Tests. Comfortably the Lions’ best player in South Africa."
Our selection: Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland)
Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row
#BACK-ROW:
- 6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
- 7. Tom Curry (England)
- 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Greenwood on Ritchie: "Ritchie has looked the real deal for Scotland for a few seasons now. He is a trusty option at the lineout, he has pace to burn and, most importantly, has a top engine. He is a pest at the breakdown, too. There is a real chance that Scotland can build on their recent successes in the next four years – and Ritchie will be at the heart of that."
Greenwood on Curry: "Curry was not at his World Cup best in South Africa, but he was not far off. People forget he is still just 23-years-old and that he is only going to get better. And no other 2021 Lions openside will be in the mix come 2025."
Our selection: Tom Curry (England), Jack Wills (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland)
