Lions Add First Nations and Pasifika XV Match to Finalize 2025 Australia Tour

The newly confirmed game in Melbourne replaces the Melbourne Rebels and celebrates the contributions of Indigenous and Pacific Islander players to Australian rugby.

The Lions will play nine matches on their 2025 tour of Australia, including three Test games against the Wallabies and a newly added fixture against the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
The First Nations and Pasifika XV match will take place at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, featuring players of Indigenous and Pacific Islander heritage from Super Rugby teams.
This addition fills the gap left by the financially collapsed Melbourne Rebels and highlights efforts to honor cultural contributions to the sport.
Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster has been appointed to the coaching staff for the Lions' match against an Invitational Australian and New Zealand XV in Adelaide.
The tour, set to run from June 28 to August 2, is expected to draw 500,000 spectators, with initial ticket sales selling out in under an hour.