- The blockbuster tour fixture would be held between first and second Tests
The Lions are in talks about facing a combined Pacific Island XV in Melbourne next year, in a potentially blockbuster tour fixture between the first and second Tests against Australia.
Following the collapse of the Rebels franchise, which had been based in the state capital of Victoria, officials from Rugby Australia and the Lions have been contingency planning to establish alternative opposition options for the game on July 22, 2025 at Marvel Stadium. Initially, there were indications that an invitational side would be created under the banner of Australia ‘A’ or Melbourne, based on a squad of Australian players, but the focus has now shifted to an imported solution.
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. 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.
The only potential stumbling block would be any reservations on the part of Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, about having to take on such dangerous, powerful opposition just four days before the pivotal second Test against the Wallabies at the MCG. But the Lions will have a large, high-class squad at their disposal and it is unlikely at that late stage of the tour that many, if any, players would be expected to back up between midweek and weekend duty.
If the plans are duly agreed, the revised fixture is bound to be a box-office hit, among travelling supporters and locals alike. Fiji alone would provide a brutal and entertaining test, if they could call upon leading lights such as La Rochelle flanker Levani Botia, rampaging No 8 Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata and versatile backs Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova.
Andy Farrell’s Lions could face a star-studded Pacific Island team during the Australia tour
Fiji flanker Levani Botia could be among the players the Lions face in Melbourne
The last Lions tour took place in South Africa in 2021 and they will head to Australia next year
At the last World Cup, Tonga were able to unleash a raft of superstars – some converted from other nations – including Charles Piutau, George Moala, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Tameifuna. And Samoa had the brilliance of Saracens flanker Theo McFarland, along with ex-All Blacks Lima Sopoaga, Steven Luatua and Charlie Faumuina. If a top coach could be appointed to draw the three contingents together, they could be moulded into a fearsome force.
A Pacific Islanders team was formed to play matches against leading opposition between 2004 and 2008, but the concept was abandoned due to logistical and administrative problems. In terms of history against the Lions, only Fiji among the Pacific island nations have been granted a fixture – famously defeating the revered touring team 25-21 in Suva in 1977.
Meanwhile, officials Down Under are believed to be pressing ahead with plans for a joint Australian and New Zealand side to take on the Lions in Adelaide on July 12 next year – seven days before the first Test in Brisbane. Concerns had arisen as many leading Kiwi players are unavailable due to an overlap with All Blacks and Maori All Blacks fixtures, but Mail Sport understands there is confidence that a solution can be found which does not involve a radical re-think.
This may involve the recruitment of recently retired former All Blacks who are still playing abroad – with renowned figures such as Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane sure to be high on the officials’ wish-list. The team, which cannot adopt the term ANZAC due to government regulations, is likely to be an amalgamation of familiar New Zealand veterans and fringe Australia candidates.
