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British and Irish Lions Tour 2025 fixtures, schedule, teams, venues: All you need to know ahead of tour of Australia

Watch every game of 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports; also stream with NOW.

Monday 18 March 2024 06:08, UK

As tickets go on sale for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, we guide you through all you need to know ahead of next year's visit to Australia, live on Sky Sports.

When is the 2025 Lions tour and where is it?

Sky Sports will exclusively show the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, with all three Tests and six warm-up matches to be shown live.

The agreement sees Sky Sports broadcast its eighth consecutive Lions Tour, with the partnership starting in 1997 with the iconic 2-1 series win over South Africa.

The Lions will play nine games on tour all around Australia, beginning against Western Force in Perth on June 28, 2025.

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What are the Lions fixtures?

Following their clash in Perth, the Lions will face Queensland Reds in Brisbane on July 2, the Waratahs in Sydney on July 5, the Brumbies in Canberra on July 9, an Invitational Australia & New Zealand side in Adelaide on July 12 and the Rebels in Melbourne on July 22.

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That game will take place after the opening Test in Brisbane on July 19, with the second Test at the MCG in Melbourne on July 26 and the final Test in the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 2.

British and Irish Lions 2025 tour schedule

What happened last time.

The Lions tasted success the last time they were on Australian soil in 2013, with a dramatic 2-1 series win following a memorable performance in the decisive final Test lifting their head-to-head record to 17 wins and six defeats in 23 Tests.

Gatland offers to resign after Italy condemn Wales to winless Six Nations

Having been defeated in a Covid-impacted tour of South Africa back in 2021, the Lions will be aiming to make it a second successive series win in Australia as they kick off the first Test at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Who is the Lions head coach?

Andy Farrell will lead the Lions out as head coach as he succeeds Warren Gatland in the role having previously worked as defence coach during the winning 2013 and 2017 tours of Australia and New Zealand.

The former Wigan Warriors rugby league great has been head coach of Ireland for four years, his time in charge seeing the team achieve a Six Nations Triple Crown (2022), an historic 2-1 series victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand (2022), a Six Nations Grand Slam (2023) and victories over every Tier One side as part of a 17-Test winning run.

What is the format?

The Lions consist of players from the England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales national teams and currently tour every four years on a rotation between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The first tour took place in 1888, since when the Lions have been on a further 33 tours that have also included encounters with Argentina and Japan.

Lions to play in Ireland for first time ahead of 2025 Australia tour

A fixture against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday June 20 follows the Lions beating Japan in an inaugural 1888 Cup contest in Edinburgh ahead of their 2021 tour of South Africa.

"The opportunity to play in Dublin at Aviva Stadium in front of over 50,000 Lions fans will make for a great occasion and the perfect send-off," Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said.

"British & Irish Lions Tours have a rich heritage built over 130 years of touring but alongside our strong history which we are very proud of, it is important that we look for ways in which to evolve our Tours."

While the last of the Lions' three tours of Argentina came in 1936, the last fixture between the sides ended in a 25-25 draw as they faced off in Cardiff in 2005.

Watch every game of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports . Also stream with NOW .

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Schedule confirmed for British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025

19th July 2023

The British and Irish Lions are set to play in front of a record crowd of around 100,000 at Melbourne Cricket Ground during their 2025 tour of Australia.

The MCG has been announced as the venue for the Lions' second Test against Eddie Jones' Wallabies on Saturday, July 26.

The series will begin a week earlier at the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with the finale at Sydney's Accor Stadium, which can hold more than 80,000 fans, on Saturday, August 2.

Two years out from the tour, a nine-match itinerary, beginning on Wednesday, July 2 against Queensland Reds in Brisbane, has been confirmed for the Lions' first visit to Australia since their 2-1 series success in 2013.

The Lions will have the longest preparation period for a tour in recent history thanks to cooperation from Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship.

Ben Calveley, CEO of the British and Irish Lions, said: "We are delighted to announce the tour schedule as we look ahead to what is to be one of the most eagerly anticipated series in history."

The Lions' upcoming tour also includes a warm-up match against a combined Australia and New Zealand side in Adelaide.

They are bidding for their first tour success since beating the Wallabies a decade ago, having lost 2-1 in South Africa two years ago following a tied 2017 series in New Zealand.

Crowds were unable to attend matches against the Springboks in 2021 as the three Tests were played behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions.

Ieuan Evans, chairman of the British and Irish Lions, said: "Lions tours to Australia have always been memorable occasions and the 2025 tour promises to be no different."

The British and Irish Lions are also exploring the concept of an inaugural Lions Women's Tour following "positive findings arising from a feasibility study".

Lions 2025 tour

July 2 - Queensland Reds (Brisbane)

July 5 - NSW Waratahs (Sydney)

July 9 - ACT Brumbies (Canberra)

July 12 - 'Invitational' Australia and New Zealand team

July 19 - Australia (Brisbane)

July 22 - Melbourne Rebels (Melbourne)

July 26 - Australia (Melbourne)

August 2 - Australia (Sydney)

• British and Irish Lions

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Schedule announced for 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia

The 2025 test series will begin on july 19 in brisbane., article bookmarked.

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The British and Irish Lions are set to play in front of a record crowd of around 100,000 at Melbourne Cricket Ground during their 2025 tour of Australia.

The MCG has been announced as the venue for the Lions’ second Test against Eddie Jones’ Wallabies on Saturday, July 26.

The series will begin a week earlier at the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with the finale at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, which can hold more than 80,000 fans, on Saturday, August 2.

Two years out from the tour, a nine-match itinerary, beginning on Wednesday, July 2 against Queensland Reds in Brisbane, has been confirmed for the Lions’ first visit to Australia since their 2-1 series success in 2013.

The Lions will have the longest preparation period for a tour in recent history thanks to cooperation from Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship.

Ben Calveley, CEO of the British and Irish Lions, said: “We are delighted to announce the tour schedule as we look ahead to what is to be one of the most eagerly anticipated series in history.”

The Lions’ upcoming tour also includes a warm-up match against a combined Australia and New Zealand side in Adelaide.

They are bidding for their first tour success since beating the Wallabies a decade ago, having lost 2-1 in South Africa two years ago following a tied 2017 series in New Zealand.

Crowds were unable to attend matches against the Springboks in 2021 as the three Tests were played behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions.

Ieuan Evans, chairman of the British and Irish Lions, said: “Lions tours to Australia have always been memorable occasions and the 2025 tour promises to be no different.”

The British and Irish Lions are also exploring the concept of an inaugural Lions Women’s Tour following “positive findings arising from a feasibility study”.

Lions’ 2025 tour: July 2 – Queensland Reds (Brisbane); July 5 – NSW Waratahs (Sydney); July 9 – ACT Brumbies (Canberra); July 12 – ‘Invitational’ Australia and New Zealand team; July 19 – Australia (Brisbane); July 22 – Melbourne Rebels (Melbourne); July 26 – Australia (Melbourne); August 2 – Australia (Sydney).

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• The British & Irish Lions Tour 2025

July 12, 2025 The British & Irish Lions Tour 2025

The british & irish lions australian tour 2025 witness the british and irish lions play in adelaide for the first time in almost 140 years.

Rugby fans from all over the world will flock to Adelaide in 2025, as Australian and New Zealand players team up - for the first time since 1989 and only the second time in history - to take on the British and Irish Lions. Gracing our shores once every 12 years, the Lions Tour is one of rugby’s most prestigious series and will be back down-under in July 2025, to play nine matches across the country. The British and Irish Lions will play in South Australia for the first time in 137 years in Adelaide on Saturday July 12, 2025 in what is sure to be the most entertaining match of the tour.

The Lions Tour of Australia 2025 is set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated tours in history. Wanting to be a part of the action? With one of the world's best sports stadiums -  Adelaide Oval - a city overflowing with world class restaurants and small bars, there are countless reasons to play-on once the match is done. Stay up to date with news about ticket sales, travel deals and holiday packages to Adelaide and South Australia by  subscribing to our newsletter , or check out our FAQs .

Book your ticket packages now through your local travel specialist.

UK, Ireland & EU Supporters New Zealand Supporters Australian Supporters

Michael Lynagh’s Guide to Adelaide & Beyond

Michael lynagh, am, is a legendary rugby union player. representing australia from 1984 to 1995, he was capped 72 times for australia and was the world points scoring record holder when he retired. now a sky sports rugby analyst in the uk and with sons forging their own international rugby careers, michael is still very much connected to the sport. michael paid a visit to adelaide ahead of the british & irish lions tour to check out what south australia has in store for visiting rugby fans. join him in the videos below as he explores the wine, wildlife and history of adelaide and kangaroo island..

Get inspired and Plan your Lions 2025 Adelaide trip

Make the most of your time in south australia - we've put together a guide to the quintessential experiences, restaurants and places to stay to make your once-in-a-generation trip even more memorable., 8 things you can only do in south australia, how to spend a weekend in adelaide – all the things you have to see, do and taste, our guide to the best restaurants in adelaide, must book stays for your next group getaway, barossa itinerary, adelaide hills itinerary, fleurieu peninsula itinerary, ultimate south australian experiences, have the trip of a lifetime by discovering the best south australia has to offer - from world-class food and wine, to bucketlist experiences and iconic attractions., penfolds magill estate kitchen, penfolds magill estate cellar door experiences, the d'arenberg cube, r.m.williams half day experience, restaurant botanic, roofclimb adelaide oval, seppeltsfield winery and estate, uk, ireland & europe supporters ticketing and packages, fans from the uk, ireland and the rest of europe can book their 2025 tour experience through lions rugby travel, the official travel partner of the british and irish lions - enjoy the convenience of booking your tickets, flights, accommodation and experiences through an experienced travel agent, or tailor your trip to you..

The official travel company for the British and Irish Lions 2025 Australian tour

Get closer to the match by purchasing official match tickets as part of a Lions Rugby Travel package. From the outback of the Flinders Ranges to the wineries of the Barossa and Australia’s wildlife haven on Kangaroo Island - packages cover the best of South Australia. 

Book flights to Adelaide from £932

The world’s most awarded airline has your rugby trip down under covered with a choice of four daily flights from London Heathrow or five weekly flights from both London Gatwick and Manchester Airport to Singapore and seamlessly connect onwards with a daily service to Adelaide.

Join Gullivers Sports Travel in Adelaide for the British & Irish Lions 2025 Australia Tour

Experience the Lions play against an Invitational AU & NZ side in Adelaide for the first time in over 35 years with Gullivers Sports Travel! As an officially appointed sub-agent, their packages include official match tickets, accommodation, travel, and so much more. Book the Epic Tour, Quokka Red Tour, Kangaroo Tours, or the Platinum 1 Test Tour to enjoy the beauty and culture of Adelaide!

New Zealand Supporters Ticketing and Packages

New zealand fans (who are willing to put their fierce rivalries aside) can get their tickets to the match through ticketek. take the hassle out of the holiday planning and book a package with wallabies travel or get a great deal on flights with air new zealand..

Secure your seats at this historic match with tickets starting at AU$79

Book your official AUNZ XV vs BRITISH & IRISH LIONS package in Adelaide from AU$1,849*

Fly non-stop to Adelaide from $321 seat one-way*

*Terms and conditions apply 

Australian Supporters Ticketing and Packages

While there are matches happening all over the country, there won't be another quite like this one. get your tickets through ticketek and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime match. come for the match, stay for the weekend.

Secure your seats at this historic match with tickets starting at $79

Book your official AUNZ XV vs BRITISH & IRISH LIONS package in Adelaide from $1,849*

Discover great deals on flights, car hire and accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find all the essential information regarding ticketing, the match and your time in Adelaide for the Lions 2025 tour.

Ticketing Information

Fans living in the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe can purchase tickets through Lions Rugby Travel.  

Fans living in Australia, New Zealand or other neighbouring South Pacific countries can purchase tickets via Ticketek or Wallabies Travel .  

No, you don’t need to book a package if you’re from Australia, New Zealand or other neighbouring South Pacific countries. You are able to purchase tickets to the match via Ticketek. 

If you are travelling from the UK, Ireland or the rest of Europe, you will need to book a package through Lions Rugby Travel to secure tickets. 

Yes, for Australian and New Zealand supporters you can purchase either a general admission ticket, hospitality ticket or travel package ticket to just attend the Adelaide match.

For UK, Ireland and European supporters, Lions Rugby Travel have a range of packages including tickets to all three Test matches as well as one or two Test matches and the pre-Test match in Adelaide. Tickets must be purchased in conjunction with a package including hotel accommodation.

No, you can choose which matches you attend around Australia.

For fans in Australia, New Zealand or other neighbouring South Pacific countries, you can simply purchase your tickets through Ticketek for the matches you wish to attend.

For fans in the UK, Ireland or the rest of Europe, there are a range of packages available through Lions Rugby Travel which offer a variety of different match options. These range from two matches to the full test including every match. 

Please visit the Lions Series 2025 website for more information.

Getting to and around South Australia

Adelaide / Tarntanya (pronounced Tarn-tan-ya) is the traditional land of The Kaurna (Gar-na) people and the cosmopolitan coastal capital of South Australia. While small in size, it sure packs a punch with plenty of things to see and do before or after the match. Getting around Adelaide city is easy, with a range of public transport, driving, cycling or walking options available.

If you’re travelling to Adelaide from the UK or Europe, your flight will include a short stopover en-route depending on what airline you choose to fly with.

If you’re travelling from New Zealand, you can fly direct from Auckland to Adelaide. Flights from other New Zealand cities will include a stopover in Sydney or Melbourne.

If you're planning to just stay in Adelaide, there are plenty of transportation options that'll have you covered. If you want to see more of South Australia and explore our world-famous wine regions, we recommend hiring a car to get out and about. The stunning Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills are all within an hour’s drive of Adelaide – you can also book a transfer or arrange a tour package to see our regions.

South Australia covers almost 1 million square kilometres – that’s the size of France and Germany combined! Luckily, Adelaide is the perfect home base from which to explore the state – with 200 cellar doors located within an hour’s drive of the capital city, it couldn’t be easier to explore South Australia’s stunning regions. Take a daytrip to the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale or Adelaide Hills, then return to the city and enjoy a short stroll to dinner in an award-winning restaurant. 

If you’re travelling from the UK or Europe, you will be staying in preselected accommodation as part of your tour package. See Lions Rugby Travel for more details.

If you’re travelling from Australia or New Zealand, you have the option to purchase a tour package that includes preselected accommodation, or you can book tickets and accommodation separately. Find out more about Adelaide accommodation here .

Match Day Information

The match will be held at  Adelaide Oval , located in the heart of the city. The oval is within easy walking distance of many CBD hotels, and a short stroll from the food and drink precinct of the city. 

If you’re staying in the CBD, Adelaide Oval is easily accessible on foot. Otherwise, you can catch public transport to the oval with bus, train and tram routes running nearby. Car parking is available at and around the oval, but can be limited on event days. A taxi rank is also available at the oval.

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Guarantee your place on the Lions Tour to Australia 2025

One of the most beautiful countries in the world will welcome The British & Irish Lions and the famous Sea of Red travelling support once again for the 2025 Tour to Australia.

The tourists last visited Down Under in 2013 as Warren Gatland’s men secured a first series win since 1997 with a thumping victory in the decisive third and final Test.

Excitement is already building for the 2025 Tour, which is expected to be one of the most in-demand ever as thousands of fans from the UK and Ireland make the iconic journey.

Life of a Lion: Alex Corbisiero

You can guarantee your place on Tour now and beat the queue to the best range of ticket-inclusive packages for rugby’s ultimate adventure with the Priority Access Pass.

And having captained the Lions to Australia at the age of 24, two-time tourist Sam Warburton said the Sea of Red ensured his first Tour was one he would never forget.

“The fans are what made it so special. I’ll never forget going out for the second Test in 2013,” said Warburton, who became the youngest man to lead the tourists.

“Just the fans alone for the warm-up, I got tearful. Nobody would have known I got tearful but I just started welling up as I couldn’t believe the atmosphere and the energy. It’s hard to explain.

“Great weather, brilliant cities, beautiful beaches – it’s amazing. I loved Australia, that was probably my favourite Tour from an enjoyment point of view.

“It’s a phenomenal place to visit and so many places to go.”

2013 was the Lions’ first Tour to Australia since 2001 and saw Gatland’s men renew a rivalry that stretches back to the tourists’ first official visit to the country in 1899.

The tourists got off to a winning start in Brisbane as George North announced himself on the world stage with one of the greatest Lions tries of all time in a tense 23-21 victory.

Online charity auction raises thousands for Lions Trust

Australia was awash with red ahead of the second Test in Melbourne as fans soaked up the delights of the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Uluru and much more.

The Wallabies bounced back to level the series with a tight 16-15 triumph but roared on by a monstrous Sea of Red in Sydney, the Lions triumphed 41-16 to win the deciding Test.

And while Warburton missed out on the third Test through injury, it was in Australia where the Wales legend recognised exactly what makes a Lions Tour so completely unique.

“The fans are what make the Lions Tour. If someone was to say what’s the one thing that separates a Lions Tour to any other tour, it’s the fans,” said Warburton.

“The effect the fans have on players, I think they probably don’t realise how important that is really. The Lions is different, it’s just different level when it comes to support.

“From the players’ perspective, we’re fans who’ve become Lions so we’re playing as fans. The amount of people, the passion behind the Tour, the places that you go.

“And the uniqueness of just suddenly being best mates overnight with a Scotsman, an Irishman, an Englishman. It’s the single best trip that you will ever go on.

“If you’re a rugby fan and you’re from Britain or Ireland you just have to do it.”

A Priority Access Pass guarantees those who have purchased one the peace of mind that they have access before the general public to ticket-inclusive travel packages.

You will have access to view and purchase the package you want when they become available, with travel, hotels, events and match tickets all included.

Martin Johnson also captained the Lions on a Tour to Australia in 2001 and echoed Warburton’s opinion that the country offers rugby fans an experience like no other on earth.

“It’s an invasion, an invasion of fans,” said the three-time tourist. “Australia is a unique destination. Great sporting culture, great outdoors. It’s a great thing to be a part of as a player and to see the Lions and be there as a fan.

“It’s still got some magic, that’s the best word, isn’t it? It’s still got some magic.

“Should you go watch the Lions as a fan? Of course, you should.”

Related Players

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• Melbourne Rebels' demise appears to create a hole in the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour schedule - but here's a solution

T he recent axing of the Melbourne Rebels has left question marks in the schedule for the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour next year.

Is there still a fixture for July 22nd, 2025 and Will it still be played at Marvel Stadium?

Most importantly, who will be playing?

During a press conference in March, RA CEO Phil Waugh responded to a question about the implications to the Lions’ tour when there was still doubt over Melbourne’s termination.

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“While we are working through the Rebels situation, there will still be a fixture in Melbourne on that date,” Waugh told AAP.

Assuming the venue for this fixture is indeed secure, Rugby Australia must now carefully consider its options for a team to face the Lions at Marvel Stadium.

It is paramount that whichever option they decide upon does more than simply fill a hole in the fixture. The team should have significance and, in some way, showcase a facet of Australian rugby culture.

An option that perhaps has not been considered to date, could be to select an Australian Country XV.

The numbers show that Australian rugby is failing to engage and inspire enough junior players, especially those who are growing up in regional towns that love the game.

Alex Corbisiero, Owen Farrell and Geoff Parling hold the Tom Richards Cup. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Right now, the harsh reality is that, if you are a young player with potential, and you are not living in a capital city, and not attending an elite private school in that city, it is highly unlikely that you will be selected for higher honours in Junior rugby.

There are many things that Rugy Australia should be doing to address this reality.

In the meantime, they have a golden opportunity to select a team that, at the very least, honours the communities that keep rugby alive outside of our capital cities.

In theory, this could be a rather formidable team and the optimist in me reckons they could achieve a historic win over the Lions.

Sports opinion delivered daily  

Below is my hypothetical Australian Country XV.

1 Harry Hoopert – Dalby, QLD

2 Lachlan Lonergan – Williamsdale, NSW

3 Harry Johnson-Holmes – Cowra, NSW

4 Izack Rodda – Lismore, NSW

5 Darcy Swain – Cairns, QLD

6 Ned Hanigan (c) – Coonamble, NSW

7 Charlie Cale – Dubbo, NSW

8 Jed Holloway – Yamba, NSW

9 Ryan Lonergan – Williamsdale, NSW

10 Harry McLaughlin Phillips – Toowoomba, QLD

11 Corey Toole – Wagga Wagga, NSW

12 Hamish Stewart – Toowoomba, QLD

13 Triston Reilly – Kempsey NSW

14 Dylan Pietsch – Leeton, NSW

15 Jock Campbell – Inverell, NSW

Lawes open to British and Irish Lions selection in 2025

By: Matt Hardy

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Courtney Lawes has said he’d love to be involved with the British and Irish Lions once again despite leaving England this summer for France.

The Northampton Saints back-row won a second domestic title with the East Midlands club on Saturday, beating Bath 25-21 at Twickenham.

He will join French club in Brive and has retired from international rugby, with his move across the Channel ruling him out of representing England.

But there are no such restrictions on playing for the British and Irish Lions, whose quadrennial tour will see them head to Australia in the summer of 2015.

Lawes is eligible and has toured on the last two trips, a draw against New Zealand and a loss to South Africa.

“I’d love to be involved with the Lions again,” said Lawes.

“The reason I retired from international rugby is that I didn’t want to be away every couple of months for months on end.

“The Lions is for two months, I can bring my family out and we can have a good time. Having said that, I’m not expecting it. But if I do get that opportunity I’d be there.”

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “Loads has been written about Courtney’s playing ability and the way he’s evolved in the game. He’s always had the desire and mentality to get better.

“But more importantly this season is how much he’s added to our young group. Courts has been there and done that on the biggest stages. Players look to him and that is something that is intangible.

“It’s had a huge impact on the players around the group. He has allowed them to grow.”

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