Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to host British & Irish Lions in 2025 tour of Australia

The British and Irish Lions will play a total of nine matches including a game against a combined Australia-New Zealand team during their 2025 tour of Australia.

Having registered a 2-1 series victory in their previous tour of Australia in 2013, the Lions will be facing the four Super Rugby clubs in the country - Western Force, Queensland Reds, New South Wales Waratahs and Brumbies on 28th June, 2nd, 5th and 9th July to aid in their preparations.

For the first time in 34 years, the Lions combined invitational Australia-New Zealand side at the Adelaide Oval on 12th July before heading to Brisbane for the first Test on 19th July.

They get to face Melbourne Rebels on 22nd July at Marvel Stadium before concluding the tour with the second and third Tests against the Wallabies on 26th July and 2nd August respectively.

“We are delighted to announce the Tour schedule today as we look ahead to what is to be one of the most eagerly anticipated Series in history,” said Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Rugby Australia for the strong level of collaboration in planning for this tour and we look forward to continuing to work with them over the next two years.

"I would also like to thank Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship, whose cooperation has resulted in the longest preparation period for a tour in recent history, which gives us the best possible chance of a Series victory.

"We look forward to continuing to work with our hosts and our partners to create one of the best tours ever”.

It is also reported that players selected in the squad will be given a two-week preparation period ahead of the opening game in Perth as a part of the agreement between the Lions, Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship.

Ieuan Evans, Chairman of The British & Irish Lions, added: “British & Irish Lions Tours are unique in the world of sport, both in terms of the ultimate challenge they represent and the cultural impact they have. Lions tours to Australia have always been memorable occasions and the 2025 Tour promises to be no different.

"I know how special it is to pull on that famous red jersey in Australia, having toured there during the 1989 Tour. What I have learned from those special games is how important the fans are to roaring us on to victory so to be able to announce ticket package details is very exciting."

Fixtures:

• 28 June, Lions vs Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)
• 2 July, Lions vs Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
• 5 July, Lions vs NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)
• 9 July, Lions vs ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)
• 12 July, Lions vs Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
• 19 July, 1st Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
• 22 July, Lions vs Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)
• 26 July, 2nd Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)
• 2 Aug, 3rd Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Sydney (Accor Stadium)