As the 2025 British & Irish Lions embark on their Australian tour, they face early challenges including inclement weather affecting recovery plans and concerns over player availability. Lions chief executive Ben Calveley reiterated the expectation that Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt must release national players for Super Rugby fixtures prior to the Test series. This commitment is crucial not only for the players' preparation but also for ensuring competitive matches for fans and broadcasters alike. The first match against Western Force is anticipated to set this tone, highlighting the competitive nature essential for the upcoming series.
The agreement is very clear; it says that Test players have to be released to play in fixtures leading into that series, Calveley said.
It's really important that these games are competitive... but it's also right for the fans, partners and broadcasters who are all expecting competitive fixtures.
We'll see a competitive fixture at the weekend and that's what we're looking for, Calveley said. We want to make sure our guys are battle-hardened.
The Lions chief executive, Ben Calveley, has made clear the touring side expects the Wallabies head coach to make his national players available.
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