The British & Irish Lions Tour is one of the most iconic events in world rugby—and in summer 2025, it’s back with a blockbuster tour to Australia. With historic rivalries, thrilling fixtures, and a mix of fresh faces and seasoned stars, this year’s tour promises to deliver unforgettable drama on and off the pitch.
Whether you’re a lifelong Lions fan or new to the tour, here’s everything you need to know.
Who Are the British & Irish Lions?
The British & Irish Lions are a one-of-a-kind team that brings together the top players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They unite every four years to tour one of the southern hemisphere’s rugby powerhouses—either Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa—playing a series of warm-up matches followed by three main Test matches. This summer, the Lions are heading to Australia, aiming to recreate their unforgettable series win in 2013 and bounce back from a challenging 2–1 loss in South Africa in 2021.
The Full Fixture List
The Lions will compete in nine matches, which include warm-ups and a three-Test series against the Wallabies:
20 June – vs Argentina (Aviva Stadium, Dublin – Pre-tour warm-up)
28 June – vs Western Force (Perth)
2 July – vs Queensland Reds (Brisbane)
5 July – vs NSW Waratahs (Sydney)
9 July – vs ACT Brumbies (Canberra)
12 July – vs Australia & New Zealand Invitational XV (Adelaide)
19 July – 1st Test vs Australia (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
22 July – vs First Nations & Pasifika XV (Melbourne)
26 July – 2nd Test vs Australia (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
2 August – 3rd Test vs Australia (Accor Stadium, Sydney)
Test matches will kick off around 11am BST, with the second Test at the MCG expected to attract over 100,000 fans, possibly breaking attendance records.
Where to Watch & How to Attend
All matches will be aired live on Sky Sports throughout the UK and Ireland. Fans can also catch the action via talkSPORT radio, online platforms, and the official Lions social media channels.
For those planning to travel, official fan travel packages (such as those from Gullivers Sports Travel) start at £5,000, with full-tour experiences going up to £23,500. Tickets in Australia can be bought through Ticketek, but fans should steer clear of unofficial resellers to avoid scams.
The Leadership
The Lions are now being led by Andy Farrell, the genius who orchestrated Ireland’s recent Grand Slam and their historic win against New Zealand. This marks his debut as head coach for a Lions tour, after having previously worked as the defence coach.
In a daring decision, Farrell has chosen Maro Itoje to be the tour captain—the first Englishman to take on this role in a Test since Martin Johnson. This choice represents a fresh chapter of ambition and discipline.
The Squad
The 38-man squad includes:
● 15 Irish players
● 12 English
● 8 Scottish
● 2 Welsh
The Importance of this Tour. The competition between the Lions and Australia has a deep-rooted history. The Wallabies, currently under the guidance of Joe Schmidt, are in a phase of rebuilding and are keen to regain their supremacy on their home turf.
What makes it even more interesting are the player release concerns, as Lions CEO Ben Calveley has cautioned Australian teams against holding back their best players from the tour matches. The stakes are significant—for both honor and legacy.
Key Questions for the Tour
● Can Farrell replicate his Irish success with a united Lions squad?
● Will Maro Itoje rise to the challenge of captaincy?
● Can the Lions overcome their sluggish start after losing to Argentina?
● How will Australia’s youthful team handle the pressure?
Final Word.
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour is way more than just a rugby series—it’s a unique and meaningful event on the global sports calendar. It gathers players who are usually fierce competitors, coming together under one jersey to showcase the best of four proud rugby nations. This summer’s tour to Australia happens during a time of change in world rugby, with new stars emerging, power dynamics shifting, and the game’s global influence growing faster than ever.
This year’s tour is important for a bunch of reasons. First off, it’s the first time Andy Farrell takes the reins as Lions head coach—one of the brightest minds in the sport right now. His tactical skills and ability to manage players will be put to the test as he tries to create unity and excellence from a diverse squad in a short amount of time. With Farrell leading the way and Maro Itoje stepping up on the field, the Lions aren’t just looking to win—they want to dominate.
Secondly, this tour represents a new level of ambition and excitement. The match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is set to attract over 100,000 fans, breaking records and showcasing rugby’s expanding audience and the allure of the Lions brand. Plus, with games against innovative hybrid teams—like the Australia & New Zealand Invitational XV and the First Nations & Pasifika XV—this tour feels like a new chapter that mixes tradition with modern inclusivity and excitement.
For Australia, the host nation, this series is just as crucial. With Joe Schmidt at the helm, the Wallabies are in a rebuilding phase and eager to show their skills on home turf. With uncertainties still surrounding player availability and squad depth, the Wallabies’ performances will be under the microscope—not just for their rugby skills but for what it means for the future of Australian rugby overall.
And let’s not forget about the fans. Few events in sports capture the imagination like a Lions tour. Thousands will travel from all over the world, while millions will watch from pubs, homes, and fan parks.
