In a major coup for rugby fans, The British & Irish Lions have secured a massive broadcasting deal with Sky Sports for their much-anticipated 2025 Tour of Australia.
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Sky Sports Wins the Battle Despite stiff competition from TNT Sport, who will exclusively air the Autumn Internationals next month, Sky Sports emerged victorious in the race for broadcasting rights. Rugby lovers across the UK and Ireland can now look forward to watching all the live action on Sky Sports and NOW as the Lions prepare to lock horns with the Wallabies.
Lions Look to Roar Again The Lions have history on their side after clinching a dramatic 2-1 Series win in Australia back in 2013. This Tour, however, comes on the heels of a difficult, Covid-impacted campaign in South Africa in 2021. Now, they are eager to bounce back and chase back-to-back Series wins Down Under.
First Stop: Suncorp Stadium – The Cauldron The adventure kicks off at Brisbane’s iconic Suncorp Stadium—known as ‘The Cauldron’—a venue famous for its fierce atmosphere. The Lions will be out to make a statement, and with the Wallabies standing in their way, fans can expect fireworks from the first whistle.
Ben Calveley Hypes the Tour Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, couldn’t be more thrilled about the partnership. He said: “Sky Sports have been an outstanding broadcast partner to The British & Irish Lions for many years. The quality of production, presenters, expert panellists, and overall analysis they deliver really enriches the Series and makes for a compelling offering for fans watching at home.”
With the 2025 Tour preparations heating up, excitement is building fast, and Sky Sports will be at the heart of it all.
Get ready for drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments as the Lions head Down Under for another epic chapter in rugby history!
Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the “best scrum-half”
In a Lions XV selection that’s sure to spark some heated pub debates, Danny Care – yes, the man with over 100 caps for England – has handpicked his “best scrum-half” for next summer’s tour to Australia.
Spoiler alert: it’s not a Welshman. In fact, there’s not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.
Tomos Williams Tease – The One Welshman Who Almost Made It
Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care’s Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, “I’ve seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He’s got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there’s one Welsh player to make the tour, it’s him.” But even that wasn’t enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.
Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park is “the best scrum-half” around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!
Smith vs Russell: English Flair Wins the 10 Battle
The surprises didn’t stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England’s Marcus Smith over Scotland’s Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and England’s Ollie Lawrence.
Feyi-Waboso? Yes, Please!
Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England’s George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Danny Care and Mark Atkinson’s Lions XV:
15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.
13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.
12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.