British and Irish Lions set to break box office records in 2025 with MCG Test

19 July 2023 , 05:42

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George North famously carried Wallabies winger Israel Folau on his shoulder during the 2013 Lions series win over Australia (Image: Getty)

The British and Irish Lions are set to break box office records in 2025 after the Melbourne Cricket Ground was made available for their series with Australia.

The MCG, with its 100,000 capacity, has not hosted the Lions since 1930 when the tourists played and beat Victoria, but is booked to host the second Test, paving the way for a potential sell-out and a record crowd for the best of British and Irish.

The nine-match tour also features visits to Brisbane’s magnificent Suncorp Stadium for the series opener before the final Test is staged at Sydney’s 80,000 capacity Accor (Olympic) Stadium.

The contrast could not be greater with their last tour, to South Africa in 2021, which was played behind closed doors during the Covid pandemic.

The warm-up matches begin in Perth, heading to Queensland, New South Wales and Canberra before stopping off in Adelaide for an historic fixture against a New Zealand and Australia invitational XV.

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The 2025 Lions will be the best prepared for many years after Premiership Rugby and the URC agreed to bring forward their showpiece finals by a week to allow the Lions the chance to play a warm-up match before heading Down Under.

Lions chairman Ieuan Evans said: "British & Irish Lions Tours are unique in the world of sport, both in terms of the ultimate challenge they represent and the cultural impact they have.

England take the field during day two of the third Ashes test at the MCG in 2021 (PA)

“Lions tours to Australia have always been memorable occasions and the 2025 Tour promises to be no different. I know how special it is to pull on that famous red jersey in Australia, having toured there during the 1989 Tour.

"What I have learned from those special games is how important the fans are to roaring us on to victory so to be able to announce ticket package details is very exciting."

"Being a part of The British & Irish Lions means being able to unite and inspire through extraordinary rugby experiences, and working closely with our host partners in Rugby Australia, we believe that we can provide an epic tour that will be a global sporting event not to be missed".

Alex Corbisiero scores in the deciding Test to clinch the 2013 series on the Lions last tour of Australia (Getty)

2025 Lions Tour to Australia (kick off times TBC)

• 28 June, Lions vs Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)

• 2 July, Lions vs Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

• 5 July, Lions vs NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)

• 9 July, Lions vs ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)

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• 12 July, Lions vs Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

• 19 July, 1st Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

• 22 July, Lions vs Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)

• 26 July, 2nd Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)

• 2 Aug, 3rd Test, Lions vs Wallabies, Sydney (Accor Stadium)

Alex Spink