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British & Irish Lions To Play Argentina In Dublin Ahead Of 2025 Tour To Australia

7th December 2023 11:00

The British & Irish Lions will face Argentina at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday 20 June 2025 for the Lions 1888 Cup. This will be the first time The British & Irish Lions will play in Ireland and will help prepare the team ahead of the 2025 Tour to Australia.

This fixture follows the successful 1888 Cup match against Japan in Edinburgh ahead of the 2021 Tour of South Africa, with the Lions winning 28-10 on that memorable occasion. The fixture also gives fans the opportunity to see the Lions in action and send off the squad on a high before they embark on their journey to Australia. For those who can’t attend, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports and will also be broadcast on terrestrial television with details to be confirmed in due course.

The Lions first toured Argentina in 1910 and returned in both 1927 and 1936. The last match between the two sides took place on home soil in 2005 in Cardiff with that fixture ending in a 25-25 draw.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the fixture will be available from €40 and will be released in March 2024. Tickets will be allocated via various channels including IRFU, Ticketmaster.ie and the Lions Rugby Club. To find out more sign up at lionsrugby.com/jointhepride

Lions Rugby Club Tour Memberships have guaranteed access to tickets and can be purchased today at membership.lionsrugby.com/home

Priority access to ticket-inclusive travel packages is available today at lionstour.com/argentina

The British & Irish Lions 2025 will begin the 2025 Tour of Australia in Perth against the Western Force on 28 June 2025 before facing fellow Australian Super Rugby Pacific sides, the Queensland Reds, the NSW Waratahs, and the ACT Brumbies. The Lions will continue their preparation for the first Test by facing an invitational Australian and New Zealand side in a clash at the Adelaide Oval on 12 July 2025.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the first Test against Australia on Saturday 19 July. Following this, a midweek fixture against Melbourne Rebels will take place at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday 22 July. The second Test will be played on Saturday 26 July at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which has a capacity of 100,000. The final Test will be played in front of over 80,000 fans at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 2 August.

Kevin Potts, Chief Executive of the IRFU with Ben Calvely, CEO of the British & Irish Lions

Ben Calveley , CEO of The British & Irish Lions, commented, “Excitement is building as we continue the countdown to the 2025 Tour to Australia and we are delighted to confirm details of this fixture which is a key part of the overall Tour. The opportunity to play in Dublin at Aviva Stadium in front of over 50,000 Lions fans will make for a great occasion and the perfect send-off.”

“British & Irish Lions Tours have a rich heritage built over 130 years of touring but alongside our strong history which we are very proud of, it is important that we look for ways in which to evolve our Tours. This pre-Tour fixture is one such example of this and builds on the success of the pre-Tour fixture against Japan at Murrayfield in 2021 which was a resounding success.”

“British & Irish Lions fans are a core part of what makes a great Lions Tour. This fixture in Aviva Stadium gives fans who may not be travelling to Australia the opportunity to see the Lions in action which is really important to us.”

“The 1888 Cup match in Dublin will give even more supporters the opportunity to be part of the Lions exciting journey and we look forward to witnessing a Sea of Red in Dublin before we depart for Australia.”

“Finally, I would like to thank The Irish Rugby Football Union and La Unión Argentina de Rugby for their support and collaboration in the organising of this fixture”

Ieuan Evans , Chairman of The British & Irish Lions, added: “This fixture is set to be an amazing occasion as well as an important part of our preparation ahead of the 2025 Tour, as we bid to claim our first Lions Series win since 2013. It’s hugely exciting for the players selected on the Tour to play a Lions fixture in Aviva Stadium and I’m sure it is something they will all relish.

“Aviva Stadium is one the most iconic venues in World Rugby and has been the scene of some of the greatest moments in rugby over the years. What’s more, Dublin is an amazing sporting city, and many rugby and sporting fans will have enjoyed the camaraderie and the warm welcome over the years. It is a wonderful destination for Lions fans and a brilliant setting for our pre-Tour fixture.”

IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts added: “The British & Irish Lions is synonymous with rugby heritage, pride and passion and I am delighted that Irish fans will have an opportunity to watch one of rugby’s most popular and iconic teams play for the very first time in Ireland.

The IRFU is very proud to host this “Home” fixture prior to the 2025 Tour, and it promises to be a momentous celebration for Irish rugby in our 150th Anniversary season.

A packed Aviva Stadium will provide an ideal launchpad for the Lions before they depart for Australia, giving many Irish rugby fans the opportunity to savour the extraordinary experience that is being a Lions supporter, on home soil. I would like to thank the Board of The British & Irish Lions for awarding Irish rugby with this honour, which will fittingly bookend our 150th year celebrations.”

IRFU President Greg Barrett said: “On behalf of the IRFU I would like to express my delight that Aviva Stadium will play host to this historic pre-tour match between The British & Irish Lions and Argentina. The Lions is an historic rugby brand, and this game will be a fitting finale to the IRFU’s 150th Anniversary year celebrations which will take place throughout the 2024/25 season.

It promises to be a memorable occasion and we are all incredibly excited to host The British & Irish Lions for the very first time. In Ireland, we pride ourselves on the strength of our warm welcome, and I have no doubt that fans across the island of Ireland and beyond will get behind the Lions and enjoy this incredible sporting spectacle.”

Gabriel Travaglini, President of La Unión Argentina de Rugby, said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be able to play The British & Irish Lions again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for our players, and it is a great opportunity to play against a team with such prestige and history. It will undoubtedly be a very important challenge for our Pumas.”

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British and Irish Lions Tour

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28 June 2025

Rugby Australia and The British & Irish Lions have announced the 2025 Lions Tour.

It all kicks off 28 June in Perth, with the Western Force hosting the visitors at Optus Stadium.

The Tour will see the Lions play nine matches in Australia, with three Tests against the Wallabies, and six Tour games around the country.

More information to come.

General Public Onsale:  Monday 18 March at 11:00am (AWST)

Tickets via Ticketmaster.

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Peter O'Mahony decides on his future after months of talks with Munster and IRFU

The 34-year-old admitted after the Six Nations that he would take time out to decide on his next steps as his IRFU central contract was coming to an end

• 11:44, 12 APR 2024

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Peter O'Mahony has decided against hanging up his boots for at least another year.

O'Mahony, 34, has signed a new one year deal with Munster and the IRFU and so looks set to continue his Test career with Ireland, with the two-Test summer tour of South Africa the next target.

The talismanic back row admitted after the Six Nations in March that he would take time out to decide on whether to continue at Test level - having lifted the championship trophy as captain.

READ MORE: Leinster's Champions Cup obsession is only a good thing, says Robbie Henshaw

Fears were heightened that O'Mahony was calling it quits after the Reds' Champions Cup exit in Northampton last Sunday

The former long-term Munster skipper didn't join his team-mates on the pitch at the final whistle in Franklin's Gardens, adding to speculation that he would finish up when his contract expired at the end of the season.

However, while an exodus of players is expected, after a number of months of talks Munster have confirmed that they will at least have the inspirational Corkman on board, extending his association with the province to a 16th year.

O'Mahony joined the Munster academy in 2008 and made his senior debut two years later.

In total, he has made 182 appearances for the Reds to go with his 105 caps for Ireland and four for the British & Irish Lions.

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British and Irish Lions 2025: Which Six Nations stars would make the Lions right now?

We take a closer look at which stars from the 2024 Six Nations could be on the plane to Australia for the Lions; Watch every game of 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports

Digital Sports Journalist @MegWellensX

Sunday 7 April 2024 14:57, UK

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While the British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia might be over a year away, with the Six Nations wrapping up, there is never a more opportune moment to look at who the star performers could be.

Sky Sports will exclusively show the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, with all three Tests and six warm-up matches to be shown live.

The agreement sees Sky Sports broadcast its eighth consecutive Lions Tour, with the partnership starting in 1997 with the iconic 2-1 series win over South Africa.

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So, if Lions head coach Andy Farrell was picking his team right now, who would be on the plane to Australia?

Here are three picks from each nation...

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Ellis Genge

Position: Prop

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Lions Tours: 0

Ellis Genge progressively got better throughout the Six Nations and it culminated in a brilliant scrummaging performance against France's Uini Atonio.

Atonio has six, yes six, stone on Genge but the England man worked hard, got low, and showed what an asset he can be in that front row.

He is also a leader in the England camp and a voice like that will be essential for life on Tour.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

Position: Wing. Centre

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made quite the impression in the few games he played for England, his start against Ireland cementing him as a real future star.

Ireland could not figure out how to stop his combination of power and pace and if he can continue to grow in the England shirt, he will be a certain name on Farrell's list for 2025.

Ollie Lawrence

Position: Centre

Another man who had a tournament to remember, when Ollie Lawrence came back into the England side, he showed why he is lethal in that centre position.

He can play any role required - if you need him running hard lines he will, but if you need him using his brute strength to power up the field, he will also do that in abundance.

If he is partnered with a certain Ireland centre, it could be a sensational combination.

Jamie Gibson-Park

Position: Scrum-half

Ultimately, Jamie Gibson-Park is the best scrum-half out there for the Lions at the moment.

His consistency for Ireland is second to none, and his kicking game and match awareness have been integral to the Ireland system that has seen them dominate so much.

A calm head is always needed in such a vital role and Gibson-Park can fulfil that for Farrell.

Lions Tours: 1 (2021)

Why wouldn't you put this guy on the plane? His sensational World Cup performance plus his performance at the Six Nations would have Bundee Aki down as a dead cert starter for the Lions at the moment.

His ability to make metres is not matched by any worldwide and he will be a lot for Australia to handle.

It could also be exciting to see him partner someone like Lawrence who also has power and pace.

Jack Crowley

Position: Fly-half

A reward for a seamless transition, Jack Crowley can be a solid fly-half option for the Lions.

He has an old head on young shoulders and is never fazed when he makes a mistake, plus he can kick goals like the best of them.

Not many could step into Johnny Sexton's shoes and perform and he did that brilliantly for Ireland.

Finn Russell

Finn Russell will always bring that flair and you know on a Lions Tour he would enjoy himself creatively on the pitch.

Right now, he is probably the most experienced and in-form fly-half option for the Lions and combined with some other big stars, we could see some Russell flair on show.

He also is a sensational goal kicker and that will be vital for Farrell's side.

Duhan Van der Merwe

Position: Wing

A man who can create something spectacular all on his own, Duhan Van der Merwe showed why his pace and power on the wing is pretty much unmatched.

There are not many as big as him who can show individual finesse like he does and he already has a solid understanding with Russell that could serve the Lions well in 2025.

Zander Fagerson

Fagerson is one of the few players in these picks who went on the 2021 Lions Tour. However, he did not play.

The Glasgow Warriors prop has battled against the best of them and could be a solid option off the bench when that front row needs a new breath of life.

Mason Grady

Position: Centre, Wing

Mason Grady didn't get a whole host of minutes across the Six Nations, but when he did grace the field, Grady sparkled.

Scoring in the dying moments of their clash vs Italy, Grady showed that he offers something different with his dazzling footwork and could be someone that Farrell could take on Tour as the Lions look to the future.

Dafydd Jenkins

Position: Lock

The one thing a young captain needs is experience and quickly and a Lions Tour could offer the perfect environment for Wales skipper Dafydd Jenkins to grow.

It would be a vital opportunity for him to use his own voice but learn from other huge leaders across the nations as Wales continue their rebuilding journey.

Aaron Wainwright

Position: No 8, Flanker

Aaron Wainwright was one of Wales' standout players in the Six Nations, making metres like no other in that Wales jersey.

His energy was electric and his enthusiasm even when under the pump could be a key asset for the Lions.

The fifth nation: The exiles available

Owen farrell.

Position: Fly-half, Centre

Lions Tours: 3

Although the former England captain may be out of contention for international selection with his move to Racing 92 imminent, he can very much still be picked for the Lions Tour.

As England's top points scorer ever and with three Tours under his belt, his experience could be invaluable and what a storyline it would be to see father and son in action.

Courtney Lawes

Position: Lock, Flanker

Lions Tours: 2

Lawes retired from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup,but he made sure to make clear that he still sees starring for the Lions in his future.

With a year out in France to come, Lawes could earn himself a shirt and when someone with 105 caps comes knocking, it is hard to turn them down.

Henry Arundell

Position: Full-back, wing

Henry Arundell was originally given a special exemption to represent England after London Irish went into administration, but after making his move to Racing 92 permanent, Arundell has locked his door to international duty for now.

However, Arundell has been a constant star and his pace at the back could be huge for the Lions if they come calling.

He knows how to score tries and in a Lions shirt, he could thrive.

British and Irish Lions 2025 tour schedule

Watch every game of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports . Also stream with NOW .

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Royal London | Lions Watch with Shaunagh Brown

• Find out more about the Lions Women’s Tour 

Royal London ambassador Shaunagh Brown will be picking out some of the rising stars in action during the Women’s Six Nations as key players to watch ahead of the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour in 2027. Find out more about Lions Women Founding Partner Royal London here .

The Guinness Women’s Six Nations is in full flow with the Red Roses leading the way so far. Here is what Red Roses legend Shaunagh Brown, winner of 30 England caps and three Grand Slams, has made of the competition so far as she picks out some young players to keep an eye on…

Sisilia Tuipulotu – Wales

“Sisilia is the kind of player who you don’t want running at you, and you certainly don’t want her to pick up speed. It feels like a steam train. If you get her stationary, you might be able to do something about her but if you get her at full tilt with anything more than a five-metre run-up, you are just closing your eyes, wrapping your arms and hoping for the best when you try to tackle her.

“She’s predominantly a tighthead now and she’s owning that position in the scrum. She’s previously been moved around but it seems that tighthead is the position for her. You can see her growing into it.

“She’s a very impactful player. When she’s on the team as your teammate, you’re also lifted. So I wonder if that is why Wales used her off the bench (against England), to lift the team knowing that someone who is known for getting over the gain line and making half breaks on. There’s a mindset aspect to it.”

Neve Jones – Ireland

“Neve Jones is probably at the top end of the youngsters, at 25. But she’s had quite the season with Gloucester in the club game and she’s become unstoppable in the hooker position. Sometimes they will use her in the back row, but she’s sort of player that you just want on the pitch, by any means necessary.

“She’s really growing into her own. She’s almost a perfect complement to Sisilia. She gets so low to the ground, I’ve been tackled by her, she’s about half my size but she is just around your feet, so it doesn’t matter how big you are or how fast you are, if someone gets around your feet, you’re not going anywhere. She’s brave, some of the people she stands in front of to tackle, she is just going at everyone. Some people will hold back but she is everywhere, she’s a complete workhorse.

Sadia Kabeya – England

“I’m conscious that this is three forwards, but I’m a forward! The backs get all the glory. Sadia is 22, she was my roommate at the World Cup and it was an experience getting to know her. She’s that classic back row player who is a dog on the pitch, she will tackle anything from any angle – to the point that she makes the tackle and the question you ask is where did she come from?

“You see the same player at club level and international level. Some players don’t fulfil their full potential for England, myself included. I felt like I played differently for Quins but Sadia, you see the same player each week playing for Loughborough and then going into the Six Nations. It’s the same fearless player.

“England are moving her between the six and seven role. She’s the next generation of back-row player. She went to school in South East London, not necessarily a breeding ground for rugby players but for me, who also grew up in South East London, it means that you have to work for it. You can see on the pitch that she takes nothing for granted.”

Emma Orr – Scotland

“She’s still only 20. I don’t know that much about her which is exciting. What I do know is what I see her do for Scotland. She is the back who carries, it’s a theme as to the type of rugby players I prefer. She has that fearlessness.

“You can see sometimes that the plan is to get the ball wide but she spots a gap and goes for it. She looks like she is thinking and assessing in the moment what is the best thing. In WXV, you saw it, making line breaks when she had no right. She made decisions and backed herself and she’s been the same in the Six Nations so far.

“Sometimes as a forward, looking at the backs, you know what the call is and know where the ball is meant to end up. But she does that, and as a forward, you end up thinking that I have got to get there. When she does it, it’s the right decision and she’s making dents in the defensive line. You’ll get to the point that when Emma is on the ball, she might carry, she might shift it – so I best prepare for the worst and get to her ruck!”

The Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series will take place in New Zealand, the home of the current world champions with the Lions Women’s team playing three Tests against the Black Ferns alongside pre-Test fixtures.

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