Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt responded to criticism regarding player releases during the British and Irish Lions tour. He emphasized Australia's adherence to the tour agreement, stating that top players are unavailable because they are preparing for an upcoming Test against Fiji. The Lions management, led by CEO Ben Calveley, expressed concerns about fielding strong opposition, as key matches overlap. Schmidt clarified that the agreement allows for flexibility and doesn't mandate every Wallaby's availability for all games, supporting player preparations over strict compliance.
I'm not sure whether [coach] Andy [Farrell] was part of that discussion or whether it was just coming from the CEO but I've read the tours agreement and it's having the best intention to have the highest quality players available and playing.
It's not as specific as saying every Wallaby from a state or a club has to be available to play every game that the Lions come through on.
So it's not like you can play Saturday and Sunday against a team like the Lions. It would be counterproductive.
The Lions are keen to face the best-available opposition wherever possible and Calveley has also stressed the need to guarantee value for money for matchday fans.
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