Sydney will host two epic Tests – including the British & Irish Lions’ final match on Australian shores for 12 years – to headline an extraordinary festival of rugby across the city this week.
The Wallaroos will play their second and final Test against Wales at North Sydney Oval on Friday night which will serve as Australia’s “farewell game” before next month’s Rugby World Cup in the UK.
That match will be followed on Saturday night by the third and final Test between the Wallabies and Lions in front of a packed house at Accor Stadium - a match that will see the all-time Lions series attendance record shattered.
Sydney will be bursting with rugby activity around the two international matches with fan zones, live sites, official tour lunches and a match between the Classic Wallabies and the British & Irish Legends, making this a week to savour for home and touring supporters.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said Sydney would be the centre of the rugby world this week as the Lions tour draws to a huge finale and the Wallaroos finalise their World Cup preparations.
“The series between the Wallabies and Lions has been intensely contested on the field and smashed records off it,” Waugh said. “This Saturday’s third and final Test will continue that trend with a new Lions series attendance record to be set and the Wallabies determined to build upon their strong performance in Melbourne.
“The Wallaroos, meanwhile, are pushing for a big finish to their campaign against Wales before representing the nation at the Rugby World Cup in the UK. We urge Australian Rugby supporters everywhere to get behind the Wallabies and the Wallaroos in Sydney this week for two huge matches.
“In addition to the international rugby, Sydney will be abuzz with excitement across live sites, lunches, the Classics match at North Sydney Oval as well as another exciting round of club and schools competitions. There truly is something for everyone – from hardcore rugby fans to general sports lovers – in a week that will be a true festival of rugby.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said: “Sydney is proud to host the finale of the British & Irish Lions Tour and to celebrate our Wallaroos as they head to the World Cup. This is more than just a week of world-class rugby – it’s a citywide celebration that will draw thousands of passionate fans, energise our visitor economy and showcase Sydney on the global stage. Events like this reinforce our city’s status as Australia’s major events capital and create a lasting legacy for sport and tourism.”
Wednesday-Friday, July 30-August 1 – Lions Series Fan Zone
Sydney plays host to the Lions Tour Fan Zone in the heart of Circular Quay. Expect a buzzing festival atmosphere where fans can celebrate rugby, connect with Wallabies and Lions players, and take part in Q&As, signings and family-friendly entertainment.
Where: First Fleet Park, Circular Quay, Sydney
When: From Midday, Wednesday-Friday
Thursday, July 31 – Official Lions Lunch
Hear stories and insights from past and present Wallabies and Lions stars at the exclusive Official Lions Lunch held at Sydney’s Town Hall.
Australian rugby luminaries John Eales, Michael Lynagh and Michael Hooper and Lions legends Gavin Hastings and Rory Best will share the stage to provide unmatched analysis and perspectives as the countdown continues to the third Test at Accor Stadium. When: From Midday Thursday, July 31
Where: Town Hall, Sydney
Book: https://hospitality.lionsseries2025.rugby/events/official-lunch-sydney Thursday, July 31 – Classic Wallabies v Lions Legends
The Classic Wallabies will play their second and final match against the British & Irish Legends at North Sydney Oval after defeating the tourists in a 41-31 thriller at AAMI Park last week.
Featuring some of the biggest names in Australian, British and Irish rugby history, the match will celebrate the rich rugby traditions and relationships between our nations on a night of footy and fun.
When: 7pm, Thursday, July 31
Where: North Sydney Oval
Book: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CLASNSO25
Friday, August 1 – Lions Theatre
An innovative and insightful rugby-focused event created to enrich the experience of the tens of thousands of touring Lions fans in Sydney. The Lions Theatre will feature exclusive live entertainment with Lions Legends sharing the history and stories behind the team dating back to its first tour in 1888.
When: Friday, August 1
Where: ICC, Sydney: International Convention & Exhibition Centre
Information: https://official.lionstour.com/
Friday, August 1 – Wallaroos v Wales
The Wallaroos have one more chance to finetune their 2025 Rugby World Cup preparations before departing for the UK with their second and final Test against Wales at North Sydney Oval.
The Australians qualified for the Rugby World Cup by winning last year’s WXV2 tournament and will be looking for a strong showing against the Welsh in front of a big home crowd.
When: 7pm, Friday, 1 August
Where: North Sydney Oval
Book: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WALLANSO25 Saturday, August 2 – Lions Den
The ultimate Lions pre-match party for traveling fans right in the heart of Sydney Olympic Park. Attendees will be treated to a festival of non-stop, high-energy matchday entertainment featuring celebrities, rugby legends, live music, food and drink. When: From 2pm Saturday, August 2
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Information: https://official.lionstour.com/
Saturday, August 2 – Wallabies Paddock
Experience the excitement, atmosphere and heritage of the first Lions tour to Australia in 12 years at The Wallabies Paddock – a free, outdoor site for fans in the foreground of the Accor Stadium.
Created as a central hub for Wallabies and visiting Lions supporters, The Wallabies Paddock will offer an immersive, pre- and post-game experience for rugby fans featuring food and drinks, live music and exclusive Q&A sessions with past and present players.
When: From 2pm Saturday, August 2
Where: Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park.
Saturday, August 2 – Wallabies v British & Irish Lions
Four of the Wallabies’ six Test match victories over the Lions have taken place in Sydney and the Australians will be looking to add another after pushing the tourists to the last minute in Melbourne last week.
A full house is expected at Accor Stadium for the third and final Test of the 2025 Lions series; the same venue where the Wallabies claimed a series-clinching 29-23 win against the tourists in 2001.
When: 7.45pm Saturday, August 2
Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
