British and Irish Lions Fixtures Released

July 19, 2023
3335
Ultimate Rugby

They will play the Wallabies in a three-Test series as part of nine tour matches in total, featuring every Super Rugby franchise as well as an invitational Australia-New Zealand team, to be played in Adelaide.

The first test will be played on July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, exactly two years from the launch, followed by matches at the MCG (July 26) and Accor Stadium, Sydney (August 2)

The tour will be the first time since 1989 that a trans-Tasman team will play, which the Lions took out 19-15 against an 'ANZAC XV' captained by Wallabies legend Nick Farr-Jones.

This will be played on July 12 at the Adelaide Oval, seven days before the opener in Brisbane.

The tour will start in Perth as they take on the Force on July 2 before taking on the Queensland Reds (July 2) and NSW Waratahs (July 5).

They will then head south to play the Brumbies (July 9), with the Melbourne Rebels set to play the Lions (July 22) between the first and second Tests.

“The British & Irish Lions Tour is one of the great sporting festivals – it is a real landmark of Australian and world sport," RA CEO Phil Waugh said in a statement.

"Rugby Australia is looking forward to welcoming back the Lions for the first time in 12 years – as well as the tens of thousands of Lions fans from the northern hemisphere.

"It is an exciting fixture of matches all around the country with the Lions taking on our Super Rugby franchises, three massive Test matches, and a marquee match in Adelaide featuring a combined invitational Australia-New Zealand side.”

"We are delighted to announce the Tour schedule today as we look ahead to what is to be one of the most eagerly anticipated Series in history," Lions CEO Ben Calveley added.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank Rugby Australia for the strong level of collaboration in planning for this tour and we look forward to continuing to work with them over the next two years.

“As we begin the countdown to Australia in 2025, The British & Irish Lions brand and organisation has never been stronger with a global fan base of some 14 million people, a significant following and strong level of engagement through our various digital platforms, and a wide range of commercial partners comprised of some of the biggest brands and organisations in the world.

"Our ambition is to further build upon this position and make this upcoming tour the greatest Lions tour ever positioning it as the major global sporting event of 2025.”

Rugby Australia has launched a new range of Wallabies First membership products, including a membership guaranteeing access to purchase Tour games, as well as advanced opportunities to purchase Lions Test tickets.