Lions will play first ever game in Ireland ahead of 2025 tour in Australia

The fixture will coincide with the IRFU's 150th anniversary

The British and Irish Lions are set to make history in the summer of 2025 when they play on Irish soil for the first time in their history as they face Argentina at the AVIVA Stadium.

The clash will take place on June 20 2025 before the Lions depart for their tour Down Under.

In a nutshell

For the first time in their history the British and Irish Lions will play a match in Ireland when they face Argentina in Dublin on June 20 2025.

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A sell-out crowd is expected for the fixture, as Irish head coach Andy Farrell is expected to coach the team heading into their tour of Australia.

Tickets will be available from €40 and will be released in March 2024. Tickets will be allocated via various channels, including IRFU, Ticketmaster.ie and the Lions Rugby Club.

IRFU CEO Kevin Potts said of the upcoming fixture: "The British & Irish Lions is synonymous with rugby heritage, pride and passion and I am delighted that Irish fans will have an opportunity to watch one of rugby’s most popular and iconic teams play for the very first time in Ireland.

“The IRFU is very proud to host this 'home' fixture prior to the 2025 Tour, and it promises to be a momentous celebration for Irish rugby in our 150th Anniversary season.

“A packed Aviva Stadium will provide an ideal launchpad for the Lions before they depart for Australia, giving many Irish rugby fans the opportunity to savour the extraordinary experience that is being a Lions supporter, on home soil.

“I would like to thank the Board of The British & Irish Lions for awarding Irish rugby with this honour, which will fittingly bookend our 150th year celebrations."

In 2021 the Lions faced Japan in Edinburgh in the 1888 Cup match which was a huge success and saw the Lions win 28-10.

The last time the Lions faced Argentina was in Cardiff in 2005 with the game ending in a 25-25 draw.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions said: "The 1888 Cup match in Dublin will give even more supporters the opportunity to be part of the Lions exciting journey and we look forward to witnessing a Sea of Red in Dublin before we depart for Australia.

"Finally, I would like to thank The Irish Rugby Football Union and La Unión Argentina de Rugby for their support and collaboration in the organising of this fixture."

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