Golden Point Extra Time proposed for Lions series

In a bid to avoid another anticlimactic drawn series, Rugby Australia has proposed the introduction of a ‘golden point’ extra-time rule for the third Test of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.

The proposal comes in response to the unresolved 2017 series between the Lions and New Zealand, which ended 1-1 after the final Test finished in a 15-15 draw.

Under the suggested system, if the third Test ends in a draw, an additional 10-minute extra-time period would be played, with the first team to score any points — through a try, penalty, or drop goal — declared the winner.

This ‘superpoint’ format mirrors what is currently used in Super Rugby and is intended to provide fans with a more definitive and exciting conclusion to the series.

Rugby Australia's top leadership has backed the initiative, calling it a fan-focused approach. The emphasis has been placed on increasing engagement and ensuring spectators leave the stadium with a result, rather than a shared series.

"We've had some really constructive conversations. That's got to go to the Lions board around whether it's a drawn series, or you decide it through golden point or extra time," said Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia.

"Our preference, if we put the fans at the centre of everything we're doing, I think that the familiarity that everyone has with 'superpoint' and the interest for that in our market is a good guide.

"Obviously, we will be making sure both parties agree. But I think that if you're thinking about some fan engagement, that's certainly very appealing."

Lions Tour 2025 Fixtures

The 2025 Lions tour will feature a demanding and expansive itinerary across Australia, including multiple provincial clashes and three highly anticipated Tests against the Wallabies. The full tour schedule includes:

20 June: vs. Argentina in Dublin
28 June: vs. Western Force in Perth
2 July: vs. Queensland Reds in Brisbane
5 July: vs. NSW Waratahs in Sydney
9 July: vs. ACT Brumbies in Canberra
12 July: vs. ANZ Invitational XV in Adelaide
19 July: First Test vs. Australia in Brisbane
22 July: vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne
26 July: Second Test vs. Australia in Melbourne
2 August: Third Test vs. Australia in Sydney