It has been confirmed that the British & Irish Lions squad and captain for the Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Series, Australia 2025 will be named on Thursday, May 8, and that it will be in front of a live audience at indigo in The O2 in London, a first for the Lions.
More than 2,000 Lions supporters will be there live and the announcement will also be shown live on Sky Sports.
A ticket ballot for the event at indigo, under the famous tented roof, will be live in the coming weeks.
Lions Rugby Club members will have priority access to purchase tickets, with more details available soon.
Ben Calveley, CEO of the Lions, said: “The British & Irish Lions always aim to unite and inspire through extraordinary experiences and this event is no different.”
“Taking place at indigo in The O2, this will be our biggest and most special squad announcement yet.”
“We are absolutely delighted to see record numbers of fans already travelling to Australia this summer as the Sea of Red unites for the first time since 2017.”
“But we also know there are millions of fans at home who also want to be brought closer to the action – and this unique event gives them the chance to do that.”
“Both at home and on Tour, our Lions supporters are hugely important to us. And as always, their energy and passion will be vital in helping us attempt to win a Test Series against the Wallabies this summer.”
Lions Chair Ieuan Evans MBE said: “There is no greater honour than being selected for The British & Irish Lions and as a player, you find it tough to sleep the night before as the anticipation builds.”
“Hours feel like days as you wait to hear if you are lucky enough to get that dream call-up for the ultimate experience on and off the pitch.”
“I was fortunate to go on three Lions Tours and I found out via a letter, a telegram and Ceefax – that was our version of the red button for younger supporters. And this squad announcement, in front of our loyal fans, will be so memorable in its own way too.”
“There is a lot of rugby to be played between now and May and Andy and his coaching team will have some extremely tough decisions to make ahead of the Tour to Australia.”
“The players will be doing all they can to book their places and we wish them all the very best over the coming weeks.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
80 percent of the squad will likely be in the public domain already but for the players on the edge of selection this will be a massive day. Hosting the selection in front of a live audience may lengthen the window in which they will know if they have been selected, particularly if flights are to be booked to have them there in person.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Lions will play a Test Match on Irish soil for the first time against Argentina on June 20th before departing for Australia.
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