DIFFERENT JUNGLE FOR LIONS TOUR

IN a major break from tradition, Australia’s Super Rugby sides could miss out on hosting matches against the British and Irish Lions in 2025, with officials looking at arranging games against Indigenous and Pacific Island selections.

Now that the 2027 and 2029 World Cups are locked in, Rugby Australia is turning its attention to the next mega event coming to Australian shores but with a fresh look at the fixture list.

The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour is a guaranteed monster money spinner but with a reduced number of games this time, officials want to make sure they maximise crowd attendances.

While the details around the tour are still being worked out, the Lions will play eight matches in Australia, including three Tests against the Wallabies.

That’s the least number of games the Lions have played in Australia since 1959 – when they also toured New Zealand – so local officials want every game to be a blockbuster.

Traditionally, the Lions have always played against

Australia’s state sides, organising matches against all five Super Rugby teams on their last tour to Australia in 2013.

Officials are tempted to stick with that tried and tested format in 2025 but highly placed sources say the new way of thinking is to look outside the square.

There is serious consideration now being given to playing matches against representative sides, including an Indigenous team, a team of players with Pasifika heritage and possibly an Australia A team.