Lions warn Australia over Wallabies' player release

Tensions have surfaced between the British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia just days before the Lions' highly anticipated summer tour kicks off, with the Lions warning of a potential breach of contract if top Wallabies players are withheld from tour fixtures.

Lions CEO Ben Calveley has made it clear that Australia is expected to honour its agreement by making full-strength players available for matches against Super Rugby franchises.

With less than a week before the Lions play Western Force in Perth on June 28, Calveley issued a firm reminder:

“The agreement is very clear – it says that Test players have to be released to play in fixtures leading into that series. That is our expectation.”

The issue stems from the decision of Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, who has reportedly committed only five Test squad members—Nick Champion de Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, and Nic White—for the Western Force match.

Other high-profile Wallabies such as Rob Valetini and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are not expected to appear in warm-up matches, instead being held back for the first Test.

This move has drawn concern from the Lions, who believe facing understrength sides could weaken the competitive value of the fixtures. Calveley noted the significance of these matches in preparing the squad. “We’re planning on having a very strong Lions team playing against a very strong opposition.”

Calveley was cautious about escalating the matter legally but confirmed that not releasing top players for the tour matches would be viewed as a breach of agreement.

“Our focus is not on legal action,” he said. “We’re in constant dialogue with Rugby Australia and we’re hopeful the matter can be resolved.”

Despite efforts at diplomacy, the message was unmistakable: agreements must be honoured.

The Lions’ management is determined not to let the preparatory phase of the tour be diluted by last-minute compromises on team strength.

The Lions begin their Australian leg against Western Force on June 28, followed by matches against the Queensland Reds (July 2), NSW Waratahs (July 5), ACT Brumbies (July 9), and a highly anticipated clash against an Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV on July 12.

The three-Test series against the Wallabies begins July 19 in Brisbane.

With global broadcast deals, ticketing commitments, and the pride of both hemispheres at stake, Calveley underscored the weight of expectation.

“This is a series that excites fans all over the world, and we want it to be delivered to the highest standard.”