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2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia

International rugby union tour From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, known for sponsorship reasons as the Qatar Airways Lions Men's Series,[1] was an international rugby union tour which took place in Australia between June and August 2025.

Quick facts & Irish Lions tour to Australia, Date ...

The British & Irish Lions, a team selected from players eligible to represent England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, played a three-match test series against Australia, as well as matches against Australia's four Super Rugby franchises, one against an invitational team made up of players from Australia and New Zealand, and a match against a team made up of players with First Nations and Pasifika origin. Ireland coach Andy Farrell was appointed as the Lions' head coach for the tour in January 2024.

After losing to Argentina in a pre-tour match, the Lions won all their matches in Australia, except the third test. They won the test series 2–1.

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Schedule

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Western Force vs British and Irish Lions at Perth Stadium, 28 June 2025.
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First Nations & Pasifika XV vs British and Irish Lions at Marvel Stadium, 22 July 2025.
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Wallabies vs British and Irish Lions at the MCG, 26 July 2025.

The fixtures for the tour were announced on 19 July 2023.[2] The tour culminated with a three-match test series between the Lions and the Australia, and also featured matches against Australia's four Super Rugby franchises, the Western Force, Queensland Reds, New South Wales Waratahs and ACT Brumbies. They were scheduled to face the Melbourne Rebels in the week between the first and second tests, but the Rebels were disbanded at the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season after going into administration earlier in the year.[3] A match against a team of players with indigenous Australian and Pacific Island heritage was proposed in its place in November 2024[4] and confirmed in March 2025.[5] The week before the first test, the Lions played a match in Adelaide against an invitational team of players from Australia and New Zealand.[2][6] A warm-up match against Argentina was played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 20 June 2025. It was the Lions' first ever match in Ireland.[7]

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Venues

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Squads

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British and Irish Lions

On 8 May 2025, Lions chairman and tour manager Ieuan Evans announced a 38-player squad at The O2 Arena in London. In a first for the Lions, the squad was announced in front of 2,000 fans.[16][17]

The initial squad was made up of 15 players from Ireland, 13 from England, 8 from Scotland and 2 from Wales. Maro Itoje was named as the 47th Lions captain.[18]

Notes: Ages listed are as of the first tour match on 20 June against Argentina. Bold denotes that the player was selected for a previous Lions squad. Italic denotes a player that withdrew from the squad following selection.

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Management and staff

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was appointed as the Lions' head coach for the tour in January 2024. He succeeded former Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who had led the team on their previous three tours. Farrell was one of Gatland's assistant coaches on the 2013 tour to Australia and 2017 tour to New Zealand.[19][20]

Farrell announced his five assistant coaches on 26 March 2025.[21] Three of the coaches selected worked under Farrell at Ireland – defence coach Simon Easterby, scrum coach John Fogarty and backs coach Andrew Goodman.[22] Forwards coach John Dalziel was selected from Scotland, whilst attack coach Richard Wigglesworth (who played under Farrell at Saracens) was selected from England. For all five assistant coaches, this was their first Lions tour, although Easterby had toured as a player in 2005.[23] It was also the first tour since 2001 without any representation from Wales among the coaches.[24]

On 17 April, Johnny Sexton was added to the coaching staff.[25] Sexton, who toured with the Lions as a player in 2013 and 2017, has been a coach with Ireland since 2024.

On 23 June, the Lions confirmed the backroom staff of the tour.[26]

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Australia

On 11 July 2025, Australia named a 36-player squad ahead of their test series against the British & Irish Lions.[27]

On 22 July, Pete Samu was called up to the squad as training cover, after being blocked from playing in the First Nations & Pasifika XV match.[28]

On 23 July, Josh Flook was called up to the squad as training cover, while Filipo Daugunu recovered from injury sustained during the First Nations & Pasifika XV match.

On 27 July, Aidan Ross was called up to the squad to replace Harry Potter, who was injured during the second test match.[29]

On 1 August, Brandon Paenga-Amosa was called up to the squad to replace Dave Porecki, who was injured leading up to the third test match.[30]

Coaching team:

Note: Ages, caps and clubs as of first test match on 19 July 2025.

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Matches

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British & Irish Lions v Argentina

20 June 2025
20:00 IST (UTC+01)
British & Irish Lions 24–28 Argentina
Try: Aki 18' c
Penalty try 45'
Beirne 52' c
Con: F. Smith (2/2) 19', 53'
Pen: F. Smith (1/1) 9'
ReportTry: Mendy 11' m
Albornoz 40' c
Cordero 58' c
Con: Albornoz (2/3) 40+1', 53'
Pen: Albornoz (3/3) 4', 25', 39'
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Attendance: 51,700
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)[31]
More information Team details ...

Western Force v British & Irish Lions

28 June 2025
18:00 AWST (UTC+8)
Western Force 7–54 British & Irish Lions
Try: White 4' c
Con: Donaldson (1/1) 5'
ReportTry: Sheehan 1' c
Williams (2) 16' c, 46' m
Daly (2) 35' c, 70' c
Ringrose 51' c
McCarthy 54' c
Mitchell 80' c
Con: Russell (5/6) 2', 16', 36', 52', 54'
M. Smith (2/2) 71', 80+1'
Perth Stadium, Perth
Attendance: 46,656
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)[31]
More information Team details ...

Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions

2 July 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Queensland Reds 12–52 British & Irish Lions
Try: Toomaga-Allen 8' c
Flook 25' m
Con: McLaughlin-Phillips (1/2) 9'
ReportTry: Freeman (2) 19' c, 60' c
Porter 28' c
van der Merwe 35' c
Itoje 44' c
Morgan 55' c
Jones 65' m
Ringrose 80+4' m
Con: Russell (4/4) 20', 29', 36', 45'
F. Smith (2/4) 56', 61'
Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 46,435
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)[31]
More information Team details ...

New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions

5 July 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
New South Wales Waratahs 10–21 British & Irish Lions
Try: Lancaster 34' m
Dobbins 41' m
ReportTry: Jones (2) 11' c, 32' c
Mitchell 54' c
Con: F. Smith (3/3) 12', 33', 55'
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 40,568[40]
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)[31]
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ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions

9 July 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
ACT Brumbies 24–36 British & Irish Lions
Try: Tualima 3' m
Toole 36' m
Creighton 50' c
Bowron 74' c
Con: R. Lonergan (1/3) 51'
Debreczeni (1/1) 75'
ReportTry: Chessum 14' m
Lowe 28' c
M. Smith 40' c
Ringrose 46' c
van der Flier 66' c
Con: Russell (4/5) 29', 40+1', 47', 67'
Pen: Russell (1/1) 61'
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Attendance: 23,116
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)[31]
More information Team details ...

Invitational AU & NZ v British & Irish Lions

12 July 2025
19:30 ACST (UTC+09:30)
AUNZ Invitational XV 0–48 British & Irish Lions
ReportTry: van der Merwe (3) 6' m, 20' m, 63' m
White 9' c
Tuipulotu 43' c
Cummings 61' c
Kelleher 69' m
Pollock 75' c
Con: F. Smith (2/4) 10', 43'
M. Smith (2/4) 61', 76'
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Attendance: 43,124
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)[31]
More information Team details ...

Australia v British & Irish Lions (first test)

19 July 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia 19–27 British & Irish Lions
Try: Jorgensen 28' m
Tizzano 67' c
McDermott 78' c
Con: Donaldson (2/2) 68', 78'
ReportTry: Tuipulotu 8' c
Curry 35' c
Sheehan 41' c
Con: Russell (3/3) 9', 36', 42'
Pen: Russell (1/1) 1'
M. Smith (1/1) 73'
Lang Park, Brisbane
Attendance: 52,229
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)[31]
FB15Tom Wright
RW14Max Jorgensen
OC13Joseph Sua'ali'i
IC12Len Ikitaudownward-facing red arrow 68'
LW11Harry Potter
FH10Tom Lynaghdownward-facing red arrow 60'
SH9Jake Gordondownward-facing red arrow 58'
N88Harry Wilson (c)
OF7Fraser McReight
BF6Nick Champion de Crespignydownward-facing red arrow 66'
RL5Jeremy Williamsdownward-facing red arrow 58'
LL4Nick Frost
TP3Allan Alaalatoadownward-facing red arrow 57'
HK2Matt Faesslerdownward-facing red arrow 49'
LP1James Slipperdownward-facing red arrow 49'
Substitutions:
HK16Billy Pollardupward-facing green arrow 49'
PR17Angus Bellupward-facing green arrow 49'
PR18Tom Robertsonupward-facing green arrow 49'
LK19Tom Hooperupward-facing green arrow 58'
FL20Carlo Tizzanoupward-facing green arrow 66'
SH21Tate McDermottupward-facing green arrow 58'
FH22Ben Donaldsonupward-facing green arrow 60'
WG23Andrew Kellawayupward-facing green arrow 68'
Coach:
Joe Schmidt
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FB15 Hugo Keenan
RW14 Tommy Freeman
OC13 Huw Jones
IC12 Sione Tuipulotudownward-facing red arrow 57'
LW11 James Lowe
FH10 Finn Russelldownward-facing red arrow 66'
SH9 Jamison Gibson-Parkdownward-facing red arrow 74'
N88 Jack Conan
OF7 Tom Currydownward-facing red arrow 57'
BF6 Tadhg Beirne
RL5 Joe McCarthydownward-facing red arrow 43'
LL4 Maro Itoje (c)
TP3 Tadhg Furlongdownward-facing red arrow 57'
HK2 Dan Sheehandownward-facing red arrow 60'
LP1 Ellis Gengedownward-facing red arrow 48'
Substitutions:
HK16 Rónan Kelleherupward-facing green arrow 60'
PR17 Andrew Porterupward-facing green arrow 48'
PR18 Will Stuartupward-facing green arrow 57'
LK19 Ollie Chessumupward-facing green arrow 43'
FL20 Ben Earlupward-facing green arrow 57'
SH21 Alex Mitchellupward-facing green arrow 74'
FH22 Marcus Smithupward-facing green arrow 66'
CE23 Bundee Akiupward-facing green arrow 57'
Coach:
Andy Farrell

Player of the Match:
Tadhg Beirne (British and Irish Lions)

Assistant referees:
Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Television match official:
Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
Foul play review officer:
Eric Gauzins (France)

Notes:

First Nations & Pasifika XV v British & Irish Lions

22 July 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
First Nations & Pasifika XV19–24 British & Irish Lions
Try: Reilly 17' c
Uru 22' c
Leota 70' m
Con: Beale (2/3) 18', 23'
ReportTry: Osborne (2) 7' c, 44' m
Graham 10' c
van der Merwe 63' m
Con: F. Smith (2/4) 8', 11'
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Attendance: 30,420
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)[31]
More information Team details ...

Australia v British & Irish Lions (second test)

26 July 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia 26–29 British & Irish Lions
Try: Slipper 15' m
Gordon 27' c
Wright 30' m
Con: Lynagh (1/3) 28'
Pen: Lynagh (3/3) 4', 10', 53'
ReportTry: Sheehan 15' m
Curry 34' m
Jones 37' c
Beirne 59' c
Keenan 79' m
Con: Russell (2/5) 38', 60'
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Attendance: 90,307[48]
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)[31]
FB15Tom Wright
RW14Max Jorgensen
OC13Joseph Sua'ali'i
IC12Len Ikitau
LW11Harry Potterdownward-facing red arrow 19'
FH10Tom Lynagh
SH9Jake Gordon
N88Harry Wilson (c)
OF7Fraser McReightdownward-facing red arrow 60'
BF6Rob Valetinidownward-facing red arrow 40'
RL5Will Skeltondownward-facing red arrow 47'
LL4Nick Frost
TP3Allan Alaalatoadownward-facing red arrow 40'
HK2Dave Poreckidownward-facing red arrow 56'
LP1James Slipperdownward-facing red arrow 40'
Substitutions:
HK16Billy Pollardupward-facing green arrow 56'
PR17Angus Bellupward-facing green arrow 40'
PR18Tom Robertsonupward-facing green arrow 40'
LK19Jeremy Williamsupward-facing green arrow 47'
FL20Langi Gleesonupward-facing green arrow 40'
FL21Carlo Tizzanoupward-facing green arrow 60'
SH22Tate McDermottupward-facing green arrow 19'
FH23Ben Donaldson
Coach:
Joe Schmidt
Thumb
FB15 Hugo Keenan
RW14 Tommy FreemanYellow card 23'
OC13 Huw Jonesdownward-facing red arrow 60'
IC12 Bundee Aki
LW11 James Lowedownward-facing red arrow 60'
FH10 Finn Russell
SH9 Jamison Gibson-Park
N88 Jack Conan
OF7 Tom Currydownward-facing red arrow 54'
BF6 Tadhg Beirne
RL5 Ollie Chessumdownward-facing red arrow 54'
LL4 Maro Itoje (c)
TP3 Tadhg Furlongdownward-facing red arrow 64'
HK2 Dan Sheehandownward-facing red arrow 64'
LP1 Andrew Porterdownward-facing red arrow 54'
Substitutions:
HK16 Rónan Kelleherupward-facing green arrow 64'
PR17 Ellis Gengeupward-facing green arrow 54'
PR18 Will Stuartupward-facing green arrow 64'
LK19 James Ryanupward-facing green arrow 54'
FL20 Jac Morganupward-facing green arrow 54'
SH21 Alex Mitchell
FH22 Owen Farrellupward-facing green arrow 60'
FB23 Blair Kinghornupward-facing green arrow 60'
Coach:
Andy Farrell

Player of the Match:
Maro Itoje (British and Irish Lions)

Assistant referees:
Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Television match official:
Eric Gauzins (France)
Foul play review officer:
Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Notes:

  • Blair Kinghorn, Jac Morgan and James Ryan made their British and Irish test debuts.[49]
  • The British and Irish Lions won their first test series since Australia 2013.[50]
  • The British and Irish Lions won a test series with a game in hand for the first time since South Africa 1997.[51]
  • The 90,307 match attendance was a record crowd for a British & Irish Lions match, and the MCG's record largest rugby union crowd.[52]

Australia v British & Irish Lions (third test)

2 August 2025
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia 22–12 British & Irish Lions
Try: Pietsch 7' m
Jorgensen 54' c
McDermott 70' c
Con: Donaldson (2/2) 55', 72'
Pen: Lynagh (1/1) 33'
ReportTry: Morgan 61' c
Stuart 79' m
Con: Russell (1/2) 62'
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Attendance: 80,312
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)[31]
FB15Tom Wright
RW14Max Jorgensendownward-facing red arrow 77'
OC13Joseph Sua'ali'i
IC12Len Ikitau
LW11Dylan Pietsch
FH10Tom Lynaghdownward-facing red arrow 33'
SH9Nic Whitedownward-facing red arrow 58'
N88Harry Wilson (c)
OF7Fraser McReight
BF6Tom Hooperdownward-facing red arrow 77'
RL5Will Skeltondownward-facing red arrow 63'
LL4Nick Frost
TP3Taniela Tupoudownward-facing red arrow 60'
HK2Billy Pollarddownward-facing red arrow 72'
LP1James Slipperdownward-facing red arrow 57'
Substitutions:
HK16Brandon Paenga-Amosaupward-facing green arrow 72'
PR17Angus Bellupward-facing green arrow 57'
PR18Zane Nonggorrupward-facing green arrow 60'
LK19Jeremy Williamsupward-facing green arrow 63'
FL20Langi Gleesonupward-facing green arrow 77'
SH21Tate McDermottupward-facing green arrow 58'
FH22Ben Donaldsonupward-facing green arrow 33'
WG23Andrew Kellawayupward-facing green arrow 77'
Coach:
Joe Schmidt
Thumb
FB15 Hugo Keenan
RW14 Tommy Freemandownward-facing red arrow 37'
OC13 Huw Jones
IC12 Bundee Aki
LW11 Blair Kinghorn
FH10 Finn Russell
SH9 Jamison Gibson-Parkdownward-facing red arrow 71'
N88 Jack Conandownward-facing red arrow 62'
OF7 Tom Currydownward-facing red arrow 68'
BF6 Tadhg Beirne
RL5 James Ryandownward-facing red arrow 42'
LL4 Maro Itoje (c)downward-facing red arrow 27'
TP3 Tadhg Furlongdownward-facing red arrow 57'
HK2 Dan Sheehandownward-facing red arrow 57'upward-facing green arrow 68'
LP1 Andrew Porterdownward-facing red arrow 42'
Substitutions:
HK16 Rónan KelleherYellow card 68'upward-facing green arrow 57'
PR17 Ellis Gengeupward-facing green arrow 42'
PR18 Will Stuartupward-facing green arrow 57'
LK19 Ollie Chessumupward-facing green arrow 27'
FL20 Jac Morganupward-facing green arrow 42'
FL21 Ben Earlupward-facing green arrow 62'
SH22 Alex Mitchellupward-facing green arrow 71'
FH23 Owen Farrellupward-facing green arrow 37'
Coach:
Andy Farrell

Player of the Match:
Tom Hooper (Australia)

Assistant referees:
Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Television match official:
Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Foul play review officer:
Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

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Attendances

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Statistics

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Lions player statistics

Key

  • Con: Conversions
  • Pen: Penalties
  • DG: Drop goals
  • Pts: Points
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Test match statistics

Key

  • Con: Conversions
  • Pen: Penalties
  • DG: Drop goals
  • Pts: Points
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Broadcasting rights

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Notes

  1. Excluding Japan
  2. All Australia matches are televised free-to-air on Nine.
  3. Test matches only
  4. Test matches only
  5. Non-test matches

References

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