Lions to Face Heritage Team in 2025 Tour

The British and Irish Lions are set to face a team composed of players with Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islands heritage during their 2025 tour of Australia. This fixture is being arranged to fill the gap left by the Melbourne Rebels, who went into administration. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has emphasized the inclusion of high-profile players with First Nations and Pacific backgrounds to generate interest. Discussions are also underway to include New Zealand players from overseas teams as part of an Anzac XV to play the Lions on July 12, 2025. This initiative aims to maintain a high level of excitement and engagement in the tour, which will feature a total of nine games across Australia. The Lions previously achieved success in Australia in 2013, and they are preparing for another competitive series.