**Lions Set for Challenging Tour with Eight Different Opponents and Special Invitational Sides**
The eagerly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour is set to captivate rugby fans this summer, not just with the traditional Test clashes against Australia, but with an extended list of diverse and formidable opponents. In a departure from recent tours, Andy Farrell’s squad will confront eight different sides, including two unique invitational teams, across a tightly packed schedule.
The Lions’ campaign commences on Friday, 20 June, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a historic encounter against Argentina—a notable first for the touring squad on Irish soil. Los Pumas arrive in impressive form, having finished third in the recent Rugby Championship and boasting victories over southern hemisphere heavyweights such as South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. With stars like Julian Montoya, Santiago Carreras, and Juan Martín González, all regulars in the Premiership, Argentina promise to set a formidable early benchmark for the Lions.
As the tour transitions to Australia, the Lions’ schedule intensifies. Their first on-tour opposition will be Western Force on Saturday, 28 June. Traditionally seen as one of Australia’s less successful Super Rugby franchises, the Force have nonetheless shown glimpses of future promise. Wallabies internationals Ben Donaldson and Carlo Tizzano—Super Rugby’s top tackler in 2024—bring an edge to a squad that, on their day, could trouble any visitor.
The Queensland Reds await on Wednesday, 2 July. Frequently in the Super Rugby knockout mix, the Reds are noted for their dynamic style led by the likes of Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, and Harry Wilson. Under coach Les Kiss, their main challenge remains reaching consistency, as a number of late-game defeats have proven costly during their domestic campaign.
Attention then turns to the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, 5 July. While their season has been characterised by inconsistency, the Waratahs feature some of the brightest talents in Australian rugby. Dual-code superstar Joseph Sua’ali’i headlines a lineup that also includes Test prop Taniela Tupou and rising star Angus Bell. The Tahs proved their quality with a notable victory over the table-topping Chiefs earlier in the year, again highlighting the unpredictable threat they pose.
Four days later, on Wednesday, 9 July, the Lions face the ACT Brumbies. With a record of nine wins from thirteen, the Brumbies entered the Super Rugby finals as Australia’s leading provincial side, highlighted by an eye-catching triumph over the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. Their backline, propelled by the electric Tom Wright, can be devastating when given free rein. However, their campaign ended with a heavy semi-final defeat, a reminder of the highs and lows of elite rugby.
Adding to the intrigue of this year’s tour are two special invitational fixtures. On Saturday, 12 July, the Lions meet the Australia & New Zealand Invitational XV, a side likely comprised mainly of outstanding talent currently plying its trade in Japan. Potential headline names include Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, and Samu Kerevi, bringing substantial international experience to the challenge. The squad will be led by Les Kiss, who is set to transition from the Reds to Wallabies head coach following the tour.
A further unique opposition follows on Tuesday, 22 July, when the Lions take on a composite First Nations & Pasifika XV. This team draws from the deep wells of Indigenous Australian and Polynesian heritage, with players like Ardie Savea, Kurtley Beale, and Will Genia all in contention. Veteran scrum-half Genia has openly declared his interest in contributing, adding another storyline to what is set to be an emotive fixture showcasing the best of rugby’s multicultural roots.
The tour culminates in the traditional three-Test series against the Wallabies, scheduled for 19 and 26 July, concluding on 2 August. Under Joe Schmidt’s guidance, Australia appear a far more resilient and competitive unit than the side that struggled at the start of 2024. Notably, the Wallabies’ autumn wins against England and Wales have reignited optimism amongst home supporters, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling contest against the touring Lions.
This summer’s itinerary, packed with both storied rivals and new-look invitational squads, reflects the evolving landscape of international rugby. For the Lions and their fans, the diversity and quality of opposition ensure that every match carries its own sense of occasion—and no outcome can be taken for granted.