From Argentina in Dublin to a string of Super Rugby heavyweights, here is who Andy Farrell’s side will take on
It is not just Australia who lie in wait this summer – the Lions will take on seven other teams as part of the tour.
All the fixtures are fully confirmed, with games in Australia kicking off at 11am UK time. After Friday’s match against Argentina in Dublin, the tour will begin as a host of Super Rugby sides and special invitational teams await the challenge of facing the iconic team from Britain and Ireland.
Here’s a look at what to expect…
Argentina: Friday, 20 June (8pm KO)
Visitors to Dublin for the Lions’ first-ever match in Ireland this Friday, Argentina have flown under the radar of late despite having an impressive 2024/25 season.
They beat South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia in the Rugby Championship, eventually finishing third, only two points behind The All Blacks.
They have stars across their 23, with recognisable names like Julian Montoya, Santiago Carreras and Juan Martín González all plying their trade in the Premiership. Los Pumas will present a tough test to start the 2025 Tour.
Western Force: Saturday, 28 June (11am KO)
The Lions’ first opponents on tour, Perth-based Western Force, are Australia’s weakest Super Rugby side. With four wins from a possible 14, they comfortably missed the Super Rugby Finals despite showing flashes of the team they could be in years to come.
The Force’s squad features Wallabies Ben Donaldson and Carlo Tizzano, amongst others, and could cause trouble for the Lions on their day.
Openside flanker Tizzano has been in particularly fine form for club and country, leading Super Rugby in tackles in 2024 and impressing in Green and Gold last autumn.
Queensland Reds, Wednesday, 2 July (11am KO)
The Queensland Reds are perennially there or thereabouts in Super Rugby.
Led by the likes of Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott and Harry Wilson, they play a flash brand of rugby that can be brilliant to watch at times.
Head coach Les Kiss’s main issue is finding consistency, as they have built a tendency to let half-time leads slip and have suffered some damaging defeats late in games.
New South Wales Waratahs, Saturday, 5 July (11am KO)
The Waratahs have had an up-and-down season in Super Rugby but may boast the most star power of any of the Australian sides, with Joseph Sua’ali’I shining the brightest.
The cross-code star phenom is a truly dynamic athlete who can often beat teams on his own.
With talent elsewhere in the 23, including Taniela Tupou, Jake Gordon, and Angus Bell, the Tahs could cause the tourists problems if they find the same form that helped them beat the table-topping Chiefs in April.
ACT Brumbies, Wednesday, 9 July (11am KO)
With nine wins from 13, the Brumbies were the shining light of Australian rugby during the regular season and made the Finals with ease, including a statement win over the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. Their squad is packed with Wallabies, including flying full-back Tom Wright, but they were well beaten 37-17 by Waikato Chiefs in the semi-finals.
The cross-code star, formerly of the Manly Sea Eagles, has scored 10 tries in 37 appearances for the Wallabies, including a hat-trick against Wales in the autumn. When he is in top form, the Brumbies usually are too.
Invitational Australia & New Zealand, Saturday, 12 July (11am KO)
The Australia & New Zealand invitational side is one of two wild cards on the tour. This team will likely be made up mainly of players currently playing in Japan.
Such names would include the likes of Aaron Smtih, Richie Mo’unga and Samu Kerevi, so the 23 aren’t to be written off. They will be led by Reds head coach Les Kiss, who will then become Wallabies head coach after the Lions tour.
First Nations & Pasifika XV, Tuesday, 22 July (11am KO)
Like the Aus & NZ XV, there is not yet too much indication of who will be playing for the First Nations & Pasifika. It is a combination of players from First Nation and Polynesian heritage, which opens up some intriguing options.
Ardie Savea, Kurtley Beale, and Will Genia are all available for selection, with Genia sending out a ‘come and get me’ plea to both of the invitational sides’ head coaches.
The Wallabies, Saturday, 19 July; Saturday 26 July; Saturday, August 2 (all 11am KO)
As 2023 turned into 2024, before the arrival of Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies seemed to be in disarray. With the Lions tour looming, many were predicting a complete tour whitewash.
Just over a year later, however, Schmidt has righted the ship, and Australia are ready to tear into the tourists.
Although they finished bottom of the Rugby Championship, their performance in the autumn has raised hopes as they beat both England and Wales away from home.
