In an exciting development for rugby fans, the British and Irish Lions are reportedly exploring the possibility of facing a Pacific Islands XV in Australia next year.
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This comes after the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels, creating a gap in the Lions’ fixture list before their second Test against Australia.
The proposed match could see a select XV from Pacific rugby powerhouses such as Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.
According to the Daily Mail, Lions and Rugby Australia officials met in Paris on Saturday to discuss this thrilling prospect among other agenda items.
“Mail Sport understands that talks were due to take place on Thursday in Paris, between RA and Lions board members, with the fixture change among several items on the agenda,” the report stated.
“Sources have revealed that the latest scenario being discussed is for a Pacific Islanders team to take on the Lions – armed with leading Test players from each of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, subject to co-operation from the unions in those countries.”
Sam Warburton names his 2025 Lions XV, somehow includes three Welshmen
Writing in his Times column, Wales’ Rugby World Cup co-captain Jac Morgan was the sole Welshman in his starting XV.
Warburton also surprised many by including Bath tighthead Archie Griffin on the bench, following the 22-year-old’s impressive performances for Wales in Australia this summer.
He also selected Wales hooker Dewi Lake among his replacements.
Despite Wales’ nine consecutive Test defeats, the former Lions captain remains confident in their potential to contribute strongly to the Lions next summer.
Sam Warburton’s 2025 Lions team:
15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
