Lions To Play First Nations & Pasifika XV

The British & Irish Lions are set to participate in a groundbreaking match against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Tuesday, July 22, with the occasion marking the inaugural assembly of a team representing First Nations and Pasifika players, highlighting a significant development in the landscape of rugby.

Under the guidance of Ireland’s Andy Farrell, the Lions are also set to compete against each of the four Super Rugby Pacific clubs during the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Men’s tour.

This addition to their schedule underscores the growing importance of inclusivity and representation in the sport.

Commenting on the announcement, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “With just 100 days to go until the first match, it’s certainly not far away and whether you’re a lifelong rugby supporter, a general sports fan or someone who loves live events, this tour is something you must be a part of.

“We’re also thrilled to be able to confirm the First Nations & Pasifika XV match in Melbourne, which will be a great celebration of those who continue to contribute enormously to the Australian rugby community,” he said.

British and Irish Lions CEO, Ben Calveley, added: “It is fantastic to confirm the match schedule for the 2025 tour with the added fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium – a game that everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about.”

“Alongside Rugby Australia, we are set to welcome more than half a million fans at games in 2025 for what will be an amazing spectacle in one of the greatest sporting countries in the world,” Calveley said.

In a further development, former New Zealand head coach Ian Foster will spearhead the AUNZ Invitational XV to face the Lions in Adelaide, before a highly anticipated three-Test series against the Wallabies.

The first Test, taking place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, July 19, has already generated significant interest, as indicated by the rapid sell-out of the initial ticket allocation, which were gone in just 60 minutes last year.

Melbourne’s MCG is set to host the second Test, presenting an opportunity for the largest-ever crowd at a Lions Test, with the capacity to exceed 100,000 spectators, which would surpass the current attendance record of 84,188, established at Accor Stadium in 2001.

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