B&I Lions lock in First Nations clash on Australia tour

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions locked in a ninth and final game for their tour of Australia this year, against First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne.

Rugby Australia also announced that former All Black mentor Ian Foster will be part of the coaching staff for the unofficial “fourth Test” against a joint Australia-New Zealand side at Adelaide Oval.

The Andy Farrell-coached Lions play three Tests at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground – where 100,000 fans are expected – and Brisbane’s Lang Park.

They also face Australia’s four Super Rugby teams and will now meet the First Nations and Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium during the tour from June 28 to August 2.

5️⃣0️⃣ days to go until the Lions squad announcement on Thursday 8 May ⏳#Lions2025 🦁 pic.twitter.com/538jjjdwL9

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) March 19, 2025

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

The Lions’ original schedule had them playing the Melbourne Rebels, but the debt-laden team no longer exists with the First Nations game filling the gap.

Australian players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage, drawn from the ranks of the Super Rugby teams, are set to feature with Lions chief Ben Calveley saying the match was one “everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about”.

Waugh made the announcement as the final batch of tickets was released, with an anticipated 500,000 spectators to attend the nine games. Initial tickets sold out in as little as 60 minutes.

The Lions only play Australia once every 12 years.

When the teams last met in 2013, also a three-match series, they won 2-1, with Warren Gatland coaching them.

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS SCHEDULE:

Western Force, June 28 at Perth Stadium, Perth
Queensland Reds, July 2 at Lang Park, Brisbane
Waratahs, July 5 at Sydney Football Stadium Stadium, Sydney
Brumbies, July 9 at Canberra Stadium, Canberra
AUNZ Invitational XV, July 12 at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Wallabies, July 19 at Lang Park, Brisbane
First Nations & Pasifika XV, July 22 at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Wallabies, July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies, August 2 at Stadium Australia, Sydney