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First Nations & Pasifika XV set for historic match during Lions Series
By Finn Morton
Rugby Australia has unveiled the complete nine-game tour schedule for the British & Irish Lions Series, which includes a match against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Tuesday, July 22.
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This will be the first time the First Nations & Pasifika XV has assembled and it follows another historic encounter, with an AUNZ Invitational XV preparing to join forces on the rugby field for the first time in 30 years to take on the Lions at Adelaide Oval on July 12.
With the highly-anticipated Lions Series kicking off in 100 days’ time with a fixture between the representative side at the Western Force, RA also confirmed on Thursday that former All Blacks coach Ian Foster would be part of the AUNZ Invitational XV coaching staff.
That does not mean Foster will necessarily be the head coach.
These updates were announced along with the news that the final ticket allocation for the Series would be released today. The Lions Series is a highlight of the global sporting calendar, with the men in red preparing to tour Australia for the first time in 12 years.
It’s believed that 500,000 fans will attend these nine matches across six cities during a six week period, which also includes the three Test matches to round out the Series. The Wallabies will host the Lions in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
“It is fantastic to confirm the match schedule for the 2025 Tour with the added fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium – a game that everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about,” Ben Calveley, CEO of the British & Irish Lions, said in a statement.
“With the Tour schedule confirmed, we are also excited to see the final ticket allocation released. Together we are set to welcome more than half a million fans at games in 2025 for what will be an amazing spectacle in one of the greatest sporting countries in the world.
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“For our own Lions supporters, Wallabies fans and global sporting fanatics, this is the last opportunity to purchase ticket sand be part of what will be a truly special six weeks.”
After hosting Argentina at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a historic warm-up Test, the Lions will head Down Under for their first of nine matches on the road. They’ll take on the Force at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Juny 28 to kick-off their tour.
The Lions will then take on the Queensland Reds on July 2, the New South Wales Waratahs on July 5, the ACT Brumbies on July 9, and the AUNZ Invitational XV on July 12. Next up is the first Test between the Lions and Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on July 19.
With only three more matches to play, the Lions will take on the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne and then the Wallabies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground later that week. The final match of the Series could very well be a decider, with Sydney’s Accor Stadium hosting.
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“It’s incredibly exciting to be able to offer the last available tickets for what’s going to be an absolutely unforgettable Lions Tour throughout June, July and August,” Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia CEO, explained.
“With just 100 days to go until the first match, it’s certainly not far away and whether you’re a lifelong Rugby supporter, a general sports fan or someone who loves live events, this Tour is something you must be a part of.
“It’s particularly pleasing to have tickets available across all categories, allowing more Australians, and those travelling, to be there in the stands for what truly is a bucket list live sporting event.
“We’re also thrilled to be able to confirm the First Nations & Pasifika XV match in Melbourne, which will be a great celebration of those who continue to contribute enormously to the Australian Rugby community.”
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What a terrible name. Can’t they come up with somthing orginal that works for both groups/demographics? Each would get more than enough recognition in talking about the team without having to deal with this name.
Wonder if they’ll be trying to recruite former test stars that are ineligible. Imagine how cool it would be having Peato Mauvaka as their hooker. Suspect Lions want it to be a bunch of easy beats however, so more likely to be the profile (and ability) of players like Kurtley Beale. Which would be cool in itself if there are enough of them.
Hope the team has prospects of playing more in future.
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