The British & Irish Lions will play a primary ever fixture in Ireland with the facet set to tackle Argentina in Dublin forward of the 2025 tour of Australia.
The encounter with the Pumas will happen on Friday 20 June 2025, eight days earlier than the Lions’ first fixture Down Under.
The announcement follows an identical fixture earlier than the tour of South Africa in 2021, with the quadrennial vacationers beating Japan at Murrayfield.
Argentina, in the meantime, secured a 25-25 attract a pre-tour fixture in Cardiff in 2005.
“Excitement is building as we continue the countdown to the 2025 Tour to Australia and we are delighted to confirm details of this fixture which is a key part of the overall Tour,” mentioned Ben Calveley, chief govt of the British & Irish Lions.
“The opportunity to play in Dublin at Aviva Stadium in front of over 50,000 Lions fans will make for a great occasion and the perfect send-off.
“British & Irish Lions Tours have a rich heritage built over 130 years of touring but alongside our strong history which we are very proud of, it is important that we look for ways in which to evolve our Tours. This pre-Tour fixture is one such example of this and builds on the success of the pre-Tour fixture against Japan at Murrayfield in 2021 which was a resounding success.”
Andy Farrell, at the moment coach of Ireland, is extremely more likely to succeed Warren Gatland as coach of the Lions in 2025.
The Australian itinerary culminates within the conventional three-Test sequence, which will likely be held in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
The schedule additionally contains 5 warm-up fixtures and a midweek encounter with the Melbourne Rebels between the primary and second Tests.
The announcment of the fixture on the Aviva Stadium follows information of a brand new settlement between the Lions, Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship that may enable all chosen gamers to be out there for all pre-tour actions.
The fixture towards Japan in 2021 passed off on the identical day because the Premiership closing, leaving gamers concerned at Twickenham unable to function.
The Lions have been defeated 2-1 by South Africa within the 2021 sequence, however have been winners on their final go to to Australia in 2013.
“This fixture is set to be an amazing occasion as well as an important part of our preparation ahead of the 2025 Tour, as we bid to claim our first Lions Series win since 2013,” three-time vacationer Ieuan Evans, now Lions chair, mentioned.
“It’s hugely exciting for the players selected on the Tour to play a Lions fixture in Aviva Stadium and I’m sure it is something they will all relish.”