The countdown is well and truly on with the Wallabies first Test against the British & Irish Lions just 50 days away.
The opener for the three match Series will be held on Saturday July 19 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, a venue where the Wallabies hold a total 28-10 winning record since 1965.
The following week, on Saturday July 26, the two sides will travel to the internationally renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground, where supporters will have the chance to be part of the largest ever attendance for a Lions Test, with the MCG capable of hosting more than 100,000 people, which would eclipse the current Lions Test record attendance of 84,188 from Accor Stadium in 2001.
The potential decider will be held at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, the venue to some of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments, on Saturday August 2. The home of 2000 Olympic Games previously hosting both Series determining Tests in 2001 and 2013.
A once in every 12-year event, the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia will bring an estimated 40,000 visiting supporters from the UK and Ireland, with the visitors set to play a total of nine matches over six weeks, delivering strong economic outcomes for all the participating cities, states, and territories.
Tickets are still available for all matches during the Series and can be purchased here.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “With just 50 days to go until the first Test, and what’s going to be an unforgettable Lions Tour here in Australia, excitement is rapidly building.”
“The Lions have 40,000 fans expected to head down under for the six-week Tour. Their ‘Sea of Red’ will be highly visible, and we will be doing our best to counter with plenty of Wallaby gold.
“There’s still a small number of tickets available, so I would encourage you to move quickly before they’re gone. It’s going to be an incredible lifetime experience.”
Wallabies Head Coach Joe Schmidt said: “The Series is certainly coming around quickly and milestones like this one, where we’re just 50 days out from kick off, bring a nervous excitement for coaches and for players.
“As Wallabies coaches we’ve been encouraged by the competitiveness of Super Rugby Pacific this season and we’re looking forward to watching the Australian teams in the upcoming playoffs.”
Queensland Minister for Sport Tim Mander said: “Queenslanders have had the British & Irish Lions tour marked on their calendars for the past 12 years and the wait is almost over.”
“We can’t wait for the incredible atmosphere that the British & Irish Lions fans guarantee: the chants, comradery and fanfare make for an unforgettable night, and where better than the world’s best football stadium?
“This is the beginning of our green and gold runway of rugby for Queensland, as we get ready to host the Men’s World Cup in 2027 and the Women’s World Cup in 2029.
“We hope that this sporting spectacle will inspire many young Queenslanders to get active and get involved in sport as we approach the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it was great to see the British and Irish Lions coming to our shores again.
“Twelve years is a long time between tours, so we are thrilled to welcome the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales once again to our shores.
“The atmosphere around Suncorp Stadium and Brisbane is going to be unforgettable and we’re expecting thousands of fans to fill not just the stadium, but also our hotels and restaurants.
“The British and Irish Lions Tour is another reason why Brisbane is becoming widely regarded as the sports capital of Australia, which offers so much to see and do for touring fans.”
Quotes attributable to Victoria Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos:
“Melbourne is Australia’s sporting capital and we can’t wait to see the MCG packed to the rafters with what could be a record-breaking crowd when we host the British & Irish Lions.”
“We’re looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of travelling fans who can enjoy everything our city has to offer – from world-class restaurants and incredible cafes to our vibrant live music venues and, of course, the best stadium in Australia – the MCG.”
“Hosting a test between the Wallabies and the Lions will also be a huge economic boost for our state and it adds to an incredible pipeline of major sporting events we’ve got coming up around Victoria.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said: “Sydney is the heartland of rugby in Australia, boasting the nation's strongest fan base.
“Accor Stadium is one of the finest rugby venues in the country and is a fitting stage for what promises to be the most crucial match of the series against the old foe.
"We look forward to welcoming thousands of rugby fans from across the nation and around the globe for another unforgettable international clash in one of the world’s great sporting cities.”
Western Force v British & Irish Lions at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday 28 June at Optus Stadium, Perth
Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday 2 July at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday 5 July at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday 9 July at GIO Stadium, Canberra
AUNZ Invitational XV v British & Irish Lions at 7:15pm ACST on Saturday 12 July at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
First Nations & Pasifika XV v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Tuesday 22 July at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
