The British & Irish Lions are set to return to Australia in 2025 for what promises to be an unforgettable rugby tour. As one of the most iconic events in the rugby calendar, this tour offers fans a unique opportunity to witness world-class rugby in one of the most exciting settings.

Whether you’re planning to travel to Australia to cheer on the Lions in person or simply want to stay updated on all the key details, this guide has everything you need to know. 

From match schedules and ticket sales to broadcast information and team news, we’ve compiled all the essential details to make your Lions 2025 experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia!

1. How often do the British & Irish Lions tour?

The British & Irish Lions tour every four years. They rotate between touring Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa for their test series. The last British & Irish Lions tour was in 2021 to South Africa. The Lions lost the series 2-1 against the Springboks, the series was incredibly tight, and despite challenges, the Lions demonstrated their resilience and team spirit.

2. What TV channel is the British & Irish Lions tour on?

In the UK, the British & Irish Lions tour is typically broadcast by Sky Sports. They cover all the matches with comprehensive coverage, including pre-match analysis, live games, and post-match reviews. Internationally, broadcasting partners will vary by country. For example, in Ireland, RTÉ and Virgin Media have been the traditional broadcasters.

3. How to listen to the British & Irish Lions games?

For live audio coverage of the games, listeners can tune into talkSPORT, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra in the UK. They provide live commentary for rugby matches, including the British & Irish Lions tours.

4. How to get British & Irish Lions tickets?

Tickets for the British & Irish Lions tour are now on sale and can be purchased officially through The Lions and via Gullivers Sports Travel. 

If you're eager to experience the excitement firsthand, we offer a variety of British & Irish Lions Tour Packages. Our dedicated team, passionate about the Lions, has curated these packages, which feature carefully selected hotels in prime locations. This way, you can focus on making lasting memories while we take care of the details.

As an official sub agent of the Lions, Gullivers Sports Travel operates as part of The British & Irish Lions Official Travel Programme. That means every package we offer includes the essential official match ticket. Learn more about our Lions Tour packages here.

5. What time do the British & Irish Lions play?

The exact times of the British & Irish Lions matches will be confirmed as the tour approaches. However, games usually take place in the afternoon or evening local time in Australia to suit television schedules and global viewership.

6. Who are the 2025 British & Irish Lions coaches?

The British & Irish Lions have officially unveiled their coaching team for the highly anticipated 2025 tour of Australia. Led by head coach Andy Farrell, the staff features a strong Irish influence, with Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, and Andrew Goodman joining from Ireland’s ranks.

Scotland’s John Dalziel and England’s Richard Wigglesworth complete the assistant coaching line-up, while Wales is notably absent from the selection. However, Welshman Aled Walters, head of athletic performance, was previously confirmed in January. 

7. When is the British & Irish Lions squad announced?

Only players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are eligible for selection for the Lions. These are the four countries that make up the Lions squad, and players must be selected from these nations. 

The squad for the 2025 tour will be announced live at the O2 in front of fans for the first time ever on Thursday 8th May. Which Premiership Rugby club have had the most British & Irish Lions call-ups?

8. When is the first Lions tour game?

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia has officially been announced. With six epic Pre-Test matches leading into the high-stakes three-Test series against the Wallabies, this tour promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable memories.

Pre-Test Matches:

20/06/2025 – The Lions vs Argentina (Dublin, Aviva Stadium)
28/06/2025 – Western Force vs The Lions (Perth, Optus Stadium)
02/07/2025 – Queensland Reds vs The Lions (Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium)
05/07/2025 – NSW Waratahs vs The Lions (Sydney, Allianz Stadium)
09/07/2025 – ACT Brumbies vs The Lions (Canberra, GIO Stadium)
12/07/2025 – Invitational AU & NZ vs The Lions (Adelaide, Adelaide Oval)

22/07/2025 – First Nations & Pasifika XV vs The Lions (Melbourne, Marvel Stadium)

Test Matches – The Big One!

19/07/2025 – Wallabies vs The Lions (Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium)19/07/2025 – Wallabies vs The Lions (Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium)

26/07/2025 – Wallabies vs The Lions (Melbourne, MCG)

02/08/2025 – Wallabies vs The Lions (Sydney, Accor Stadium)

The stage is set for a huge battle Down Under. It all kicks off with the first Test in Brisbane on July 19, followed by an iconic showdown at the MCG in Melbourne on July 26, before the final, potentially decisive Test in Sydney on August 2.

9. What national anthem do the Lions sing?

Unlike most international rugby teams, the British & Irish Lions don’t have an official national anthem. While God Save the Queen was sung during their 1989 tour of Australia, the tradition didn’t stick — mainly because it didn’t represent the Irish players from the Republic of Ireland. 

With the nations coming together under one banner, each with its own anthem, the Lions opt for a more unifying approach. Instead of a single song, the crowd takes matters into their own hands, belting out classics like Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, World in Union and of course, the unofficial anthem to get all fans roaring, Sweet Caroline. 

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia promises to be an unforgettable experience, whether you’re traveling to the heart of the action or supporting from home. With thrilling Test matches, passionate fans, and the chance to witness rugby history, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for any rugby enthusiast.

From the spine-tingling anthems to the edge-of-your-seat moments, this is rugby at its very best. At Gullivers Sports Travel, we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Stay tuned for the latest updates, and make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible sporting spectacle.