The British & Irish Lions’ new opponents for their tour match in Melbourne on 12 July have been confirmed.
The Lions’ original schedule had them playing the Melbourne Rebels, but the debt-laden team no longer exists.
The tourists will instead face a First Nations and Pasifika XV.
Rugby Australia also announced that former All Blacks mentor Ian Foster will be part of the coaching staff for the unofficial “fourth Test” against a joint Australia-New Zealand side at the Adelaide Oval.
The Andy Farrell-coached Lions play three Tests at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground – where 100,000 fans are expected – and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
They also face Australia’s four Super Rugby teams and will now meet a First Nations and Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium during the tour from 28 June to 2 August.
“We’re thrilled to be able to confirm the First Nations and Pasifika XV match in Melbourne, which will be a great celebration of those who continue to contribute enormously to the Australian rugby community,” said RA chief Phil Waugh.
Australian players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage, drawn from the ranks of the Super Rugby teams, are set to feature with Lions chief Ben Calveley saying the match was one “everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about”.
Waugh made the announcement as the final batch of tickets was released, with an anticipated 500,000 spectators to attend the nine games. Initial tickets sold out in as little as 60 minutes.
The Lions only play Australia once every 12 years. When the teams last met in 2013, also a three-match series, they won 2-1, with Warren Gatland coaching them.
Lions 2025 schedule:
Saturday, 28 June: vs Western Force, Perth Stadium
Wednesday, 2 July: vs Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 5 July: vs Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday, 9 July: vs Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Saturday, 12 July: vs Invitational Australian and New Zealand XV, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, 19 July: vs Wallabies, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Tuesday, 22 July: vs First Nations and Pasifika XV, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, 26 July: vs Wallabies, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 2 August: vs Wallabies, Stadium Australia, Sydney
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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
