Lions want to roar again in 2025

Among other things, the British and Irish Lions will play an unofficial “fourth test” against a combined Australian and New Zealand invitational team during their Doer Onder tour in 2025.

The terms – which also include three tests against the Wallabies and tour matches against the Western Force, Queensland Reds and co – were confirmed by rugby bosses on Wednesday.

An excited Ben Calveley, the Lions’ CEO, said that the Brits’ Aussie adventure could be one of the most exciting series yet.

“I would like to thank Rugby Australia for their great cooperation and we look forward to working with them for the next few years.”

A similar invitational team was last in action in 1989 when they lost 19 – 15 against the Lions in Brisbane. Admittedly, there were only three New Zealanders in the match squad at the time.

The Wallabies also got stuck against Britain’s rugby pride in 2013 when Warren Gatland’s players finished the series 2 – 1.

“A British and Irish Lions tour is one of world sport’s biggest festivals and the whole of Australia will be able to share in the excitement,” Rugby Australia’s Phil Waugh said.

Let the countdown begin ⏳

Bring on 2025 ???? pic.twitter.com/8Fw4Gdlrlv

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 19, 2023

The Lions will no doubt want to get back on the winning track after coming off the bottom in their most recent tour against the Springboks.

A cucumber cool Morné Steyn then raced the winning kick over the crossbar in the dying moments of the third and decisive test to ensure that the South Africans could conclude the series with 2 – 1.