Everything you need to know about British and Irish Lions tour

News.com.au

5 hours ago

For the first time in 12 years, the British and Irish Lions are coming to Australia.
And they'll have a packed schedule when they arrive, with nine games locked in to be played in just over a month — including three against the Wallabies.
Here's all you need to know to be ready for when the tour kicks off.
When are the British and Irish Lions coming to Australia?
The opening game of the British and Irish Lions 2025 tour is against Western Force on Saturday, June 28. The Lions play eight further games on the tour.
Why is the tour so significant?
The British and Irish Lions have not toured Australia for more than a decade. The Lions have a rich history and there is a prestige behind being chosen as one of the best players from England, Wales, Scotland or Ireland. The team tours every four years and last came to Australia in 2013.
Where in Australia will the Lions play in 2025?
The Lions play games in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide.
Who are they playing?
The British and Irish Lions will face Western Force, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, the AUNZ XV, a First Nations & Pasifika XV and the Australian national team, the Wallabies.
Where can I watch the games?
Stan Sport. Select matches will also be shown on Channel 9.
Can I watch the games for free?
Select games will be shown on Channel 9 free-to-air.
Why are the British and Irish Lions coming to Australia?
The tour is the first time in 12 years the British and Irish Lions have come to Australia and is being billed as a month-long festival of rugby.
Are other international Rugby Union teams coming to Australia in 2025?
The Wallabies will take on Fiji, Argentina and New Zealand in home matches this year.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available from Ticketek.
What is the schedule?
Saturday, June 28 – Western Force vs British and Irish Lions, Optus Stadium
Wednesday, July 2 – Queensland Reds vs British and Irish Lions, Suncorp Stadium
Saturday, July 5 – NSW Waratahs vs British and Irish Lions, Allianz Stadium
Wednesday, July 9 – ACT Brumbies vs British and Irish Lions, GIO Stadium
Saturday, July 12 – AUNZ XI vs British and Irish Lions, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, July 19 – Wallabies vs British and Irish Lions, Suncorp Stadium
Tuesday, July 22 – First Nations and Pasifika XV vs British and Irish Lions, Marvel Stadium
Saturday, July 26 – Wallabies vs British and Irish Lions, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, August 2 – Wallabies vs British and Irish Lions, Accor Stadium
Who's playing?
The Wallabies squad is expected to be announced on Thursday, June 19.
This is the British and Irish Lions squad:
Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/Ireland) #838
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers/England)
Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #839
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/England) #851
Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks/England) #853
Ben Earl (Saracens/England)
Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #848
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #818
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/England)
Maro Itoje (Saracens/England) #825 (C)
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Jac Morgan (Ospreys/Wales)
Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/England)
Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby/England)
Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Backs:
Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #837
Elliot Daly (Saracens/England) #822
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints/England)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/Ireland)
Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland)
Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/Scotland)
James Lowe (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England)
Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby/Ireland)
Finn Russell (Bath Rugby/Scotland) #835
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/England)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855
Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby/Scotland) #841
Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby/Wales)
Betting and odds
The British and Irish Lions are $1.30 favourites to win their series against the Wallabies ($3.40).
Why are they called the British and Irish Lions?
When the team orginiated, Ireland was part of Britain. The Lions nickname originates from a 1924 tour when players had Lions on their ties.
What countries make up the British and Irish Lions?
England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Ireland (3rd), England (6th), Scotland (7th) and Wales (12th). Australia is ranked 8th.