Lions Tour 2025

[Wallaby Man]

There definitely wouldn't have been the same financial incentives for players to participate in the '89 game as there would be today. I don't think they'd have trouble fielding a strong team.

I imagine any games against the Lions whether it be another Wallabies test or an ANZAC game will be lucrative for Rugby Australia. So the players would want to be rewarded for that.

Lions have turned into an even bigger occasion than they were even 30yrs ago. Don’t think there would be a player running around that would pass up the opportunity. Basically adds an extra 100k to your value when talking to Japanese/French clubs in the future.

I personally have thought maybe this is a catalyst for future project of a touring ANZAC side for big $$$ in Europe, Japan or even RSA. National sides could play at the same time for a double dip like Eng, Ire, etc. do during the Lions tours. Could send an ANZAC team to Europe and then Wallabies/ABs send a depleted side to USA/Canada every 4yrs

 

[Dan54]

Lions have turned into an even bigger occasion than they were even 30yrs ago. Don’t think there would be a player running around that would pass up the opportunity. Basically adds an extra 100k to your value when talking to Japanese/French clubs in the future.

I personally have thought maybe this is a catalyst for future project of a touring ANZAC side for big $$$ in Europe, Japan or even RSA. National sides could play at the same time for a double dip like Eng, Ire, etc. do during the Lions tours. Could send an ANZAC team to Europe and then Wallabies/ABs send a depleted side to USA/Canada every 4yrs

I agree that Lions tours are probably bigger than 30 years ago, but I really hope noone makes plans for ANZAC tours in future, many feel Lions are just only hanging on as identity, just throught the extra stress on players. Though I can understand your point as maybe potential as a moneyspinner. The reason I think this idea won't work is even if Lions agreed with it too hard to assemble a team. I doubt the Lions would be over the moon about the prospect, as they now only play 3 test tours, timewise and player care, and another game like this would be maybe tipping it over the edge?

 

[PhilClinton]

We're straying into different territory here, but I'm not sure an ANZAC team would be as big of a money spinner as some suggest.

Our game doesn't really have a problem with fans supporting their national teams. The Wallabies and All Blacks as a 'brand' are quite strong. I'm not sure adding another combo team into the mix really makes things better.

 

[Members Section]

It will only be a money spinner because now RA can sell out Homebush, the MCG, Optus & Suncorp. If the game doesn't happen & the game goes to suncorp there is no way the force are going to sell out optus for a wednesday night game.

 

[Adam84]

NZR hasn't agreed to it have they?

Nah they’ve supported it… if the price is right, which reflects NZR these days:

“We’re aligned in principle,” Robinson said via email. “[It’s] early days however, with a lot of detail to be worked through around scheduling and in understanding commercials.”

 

[PhilClinton]

It will only be a money spinner because now Rugby Australia can sell out Homebush, the MCG, Optus & Suncorp. If the game doesn't happen & the game goes to suncorp there is no way the force are going to sell out optus for a wednesday night game.

Sorry I should clarify I don't think it's a money spinner going forward in general, some other posters have mentioned possible future tours/games with an ANZAC team.

And I don't think they need NZ involved to sell-out a 4th test in 2025. Fairly sure you could put a Wallabies v Lions game on the moon on a Tuesday night and it would sell-out.

 

[Braveheart81]

It wouldn't be a fourth test. If you kept the tour schedule the exact same as last time you could replace the Combined Country game with it and surely rake in a big chunk more money from the game.

It would be a higher value game for ticket sales and broadcast rights than everything expect the three test matches. You'd be shifting your least value game to being fourth most valuable.

 

[Tomikin]

It wouldn't be a fourth test. If you kept the tour schedule the exact same as last time you could replace the Combined Country game with it and surely rake in a big chunk more money from the game.

It would be a higher value game for ticket sales and broadcast rights than everything expect the three test matches. You'd be shifting your least value game to being fourth most valuable.

We could also trot out Australia A .. but I like the idea of the Anzac team in this instance.

 

[Members Section]

We could also trot out Australia A .. but I like the idea of the Anzac team in this instance.

That's what RSA did last tour that with the side the boks picked it basically turned into 4th test.

 

[PhilClinton]

Fox Sports have jumped in nice and early with some articles around this ANZAC concept. They've even included Joseph Sua'ali'i as one of the squad members!

Probably more pressing Wallabies issues to be discussing you'd think than a fantasy team which might possibly play a game in three years. Ah well.

 

[LeCheese]

Fox Sports have jumped in nice and early with some articles around this ANZAC concept. They've even included Joseph Sua'ali'i as one of the squad members!

Probably more pressing Wallabies issues to be discussing you'd think than a fantasy team which might possibly play a game in three years. Ah well.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Nah they’ve supported it… if the price is right, which reflects NZR these days:

“We’re aligned in principle,” Robinson said via email. “[It’s] early days however, with a lot of detail to be worked through around scheduling and in understanding commercials.”

And if they said "thanks but no thanks" you'd probably accuse them of screwing RA out've a windfall

 

[Adam84]

And if they said "thanks but no thanks" you'd probably accuse them of screwing Rugby Australia out've a windfall

My post history on this topic says otherwise.

Given the relations I just don’t think RA should be sacrificing a home match against the B&I Lions for a match which them shares the revenue with NZR. Let's not forget the cross-code discussions NZR were having during COVID to play on Australian soil against one of RA’s buisness competitors; the Kangaroos. Wasn't any NZR-RA commercial negotiations offered then.

I think this idea will die a quiet death after both unions fail to reach a deal over the ‘commercial arrangements’, and none of us should be surprised when thaf happens.

 

[Wallaby Man]

A sold out MCG at $100-150 a ticket is super valuable. It would drag considerably more money than lions v a Super Rugby team could many times over. Even if NZRU were offered 25% and a guarantee wallabies players would be available in 2029 for their Lions tour, that’s a sweet deal with no marketing required on your end. Could even double up with an ABs v Fiji or Samoa etc. on same weekend at home to really drive the cash home. This idea isn’t going away as it’s an easy cash cow and very appealing to players.

 

[Rebel man]

Melbourne already have a contract in place, they are not fighting anyone the lions will be either playing a test or this Anzac concept at the mcg. Rugby Australia are just trying to ensure they can sell out all 4 stadiums rather than a semi full suncorp or a full hbf park.

Not interested in a half baked tour game in Melbourne to be honest. Only national team I support is Australia, no way I will be cheering for a team half full with our bitterest of rival

 

[LeCheese]

Only national team I support is Australia, no way I will be cheering for a team half full with our bitterest of rival

That's the ANZAC spirit!

 

[Sword of Justice]

That's the ANZAC spirit!

I take this comment in jest and I would actually support a combined team over Lions but there is really only the most tenuous of links to the ANZACs.

Still, would definitely watch and buy a ticket if it happened in Brisbane.

 

[LeCheese]

I take this comment in jest and I would actually support a combined team over Lions but there is really only the most tenuous of links to the ANZACs.

Still, would definitely watch and buy a ticket if it happened in Brisbane.

Of course, but that is how it is being / will be promoted, as with every other joint AU-NZ venture. Putting aside our rivalry to come together in the face of adversity, us against the world, etc.

Irrespective of how you look at it - be it the nationalistic "I'll only support the Aussies" or from the collectivist ANZAC perspective - it's nothing more than an interesting idea for a game of footy.

 

[Adam84]

it would be offensive if ANZAC is used in any marketing material whatsoever, and daresay illegal anyway.

 

[Rebel man]

Of course, but that is how it is being / will be promoted, as with every other joint AU-NZ venture. Putting aside our rivalry to come together in the face of adversity, us against the world, etc.

Irrespective of how you look at it - be it the nationalistic "I'll only support the Aussies" or from the collectivist ANZAC perspective - it's nothing more than an interesting idea for a game of footy.

Just don’t see it working that well, who wants to get injured in a meaningless game?