Lions Defend Foreign-Born Centres After Schmidt Comments Ahead Argentina Test

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt sparked controversy by describing British & Irish Lions midfielders Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu as a “southern hemisphere centre partnership,” highlighting their foreign origins despite their qualifications to play for Ireland and Scotland. Schmidt, who coached Aki during his time with Ireland, praised both players for their professionalism and athleticism but his remark was seen by the Lions camp as a distraction tactic. Lions assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth defended the team’s makeup, emphasizing that all players have earned their place and are proud to represent the Lions regardless of their backgrounds. The Lions squad features ten foreign-born players who qualified through residency or ancestry, a point that has drawn mixed reactions in both hemispheres. Former players and commentators also debated the increasing number of foreign-born players in the Lions, reflecting broader discussions about nationality and eligibility in rugby. The Lions have additionally rejected Rugby Australia’s proposal to introduce a golden-point rule for their upcoming three-Test series against the Wallabies, allowing for the possibility of a drawn series as in 2017.