The British & Irish Lions Tour, a highly respected event in World Rugby, happens every four years. It features top players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, who form a single team. They tour Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, playing a series of matches against the host nations, including a thrilling three-match test series.
This tour is not just about intense competition; it also builds camaraderie and a shared love for rugby among these nations. It is a special chance for players from four different countries to unite and represent the best of British and Irish rugby. Notably, the tour is returning to Australia after a 12-year break.
The Lions Tour will kick off with a warm-up game against Argentina on June 20. However, the opening game of the tour will be against the Western Force on June 28. Optus Stadium will witness all the intense action. Before the match kicks off, let’s take a look at its detailed preview, including squad information, team performance, and odds.
Quick Facts
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Day and date: Saturday, June 28
Kick-off: 10:45 AM (BST)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Western Force Team Preview
Western Force Last 6
- May 24, 2025: Western Force 17-22 Waratahs
- May 17, 2025: Fijian Drua 38-7 Western Force
- May 10, 2025: Western Force 14-33 Brumbies
- May 2, 2025: Blues 40-19 Western Force
- Apr 25, 2025: Chiefs 56-22 Western Force
- Apr 19, 2025: Western Force 17-17 Hurricanes
Squad
Forwards:
- Sam Carter
- Tom Robertson
- Reed Prinsep
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa
- Harry Hoopert
- Carlo Tizzano
- Ryan Coxon
- Will Harris
- Tom Horton
- Tiaan Tauakipulu
- Kane Koteka
- Jeremy Williams
- Lopeti Faifua
- Marley Pearce
- Nick Champion de Crespigny
- Nic Dolly
- Vaiolini Ekuasi
- Harry Johnson-Holmes
- Atu Moli
- Papillon Sevele
- Darcy Swain
- Josh Thompson
- Mitchell Watts
- Fatongia Paea
- Albert Alcock
- Titi Nofoagatotoa
- Joshua Smith
Backs:
- Nic White
- Harry Potter
- Ben Donaldson
- Kurtley Beale
- Hamish Stewart
- Bayley Kuenzle
- Reesjan Pasitoa
- Henry Robertson
- Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa
- George Poolman
- Max Burey
- Ronan Leahy
- Mac Grealy
- David Palu
- Dylan Pietsch
- Doug Philipson
- Matt Proctor
- Sio Tomkinson
- Coby Miln
- Alex Harford
The Western Force has signed several new players, including Dylan Pietsch, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, and Darcy Swain. They have also brought in internationally experienced players Nic Dolly and Matt Proctor. To strengthen their backline, the Force added Mac Grealy (from the Queensland Reds), veteran Sio Tomkinson, and promising young Australian player Divad Palu.
Among the players to watch out for, Harry Johnson-Holmes, a versatile Wallaby prop, and homegrown Wallaby Carlo Tizzano in the back row, are notable. An internationally capped English hooker, Nic Dolly, also bolsters their front row options. On the wing, expect exciting plays from dynamic Wallaby Dylan Pietsch.
The Lions Team Preview
Lions Last 6
- Aug 7, 2021: South Africa 19-16 Lions
- Jul 31, 2021: South Africa 27-9 Lions
- Jul 24, 2021: South Africa 17-22 Lions
- Jul 17, 2021: Stormers 3-49 Lions
- Jul 14, 2021: South Africa 17-13 Lions
- Jul 10, 2021: Sharks 31-71 Lions
Squad
Forwards:
- Tadhg Beirne
- Ollie Chessum
- Jack Conan
- Luke Cowan-Dickie
- Scott Cummings
- Tom Curry
- Ben Earl
- Zander Fagerson
- Tadhg Furlong
- Ellis Genge
- Maro Itoje
- Ronan Kelleher
- Joe McCarthy
- Jac Morgan
- Henry Pollock
- Andrew Porter
- James Ryan
- Dan Sheehan
- Pierre Schoeman
- Will Stuart
- Josh van der Flier
Backs:
- Bundee Aki
- Elliot Daly
- Tommy Freeman
- Jamison Gibson-Park
- Mack Hansen
- Huw Jones
- Hugo Keenan
- Blair Kinghorn
- James Lowe
- Alex Mitchell
- Garry Ringrose
- Finn Russell
- Fin Smith
- Marcus Smith
- Sione Tuipulotu
- Duhan van der Merwe
- Tomos Williams
The British & Irish Lions have announced their 38-man squad for the 2025 tour to Australia, with Maro Itoje named captain. This will be Itoje’s third Lions tour. The squad also includes Tadhg Beirne, who is expected to play a more central role after becoming one of the world’s top players.
The team also features Australian-born Mack Hansen, whose creative play is highly valued by Head Coach Andy Farrell despite his recent injury setbacks. Notably, the youngest player in the touring squad is 20-year-old Northampton Saints back row, Henry Pollock.
Head-to-Head History
June 5, 2013: Western Force 17-69 Lions (Lions Tour)
Venue: Optus Stadium
Optus Stadium has received significant acclaim since its opening on January 21, 2018. In July 2022, it was named Venue of the Year at the Stadium Business Awards. It was also previously recognised as the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World at the Prix Versailles 2019 international architecture awards. The Western Australian State Government owns Optus Stadium, and VenuesLive proudly operates it.
It is a 60,000-seat, world-class venue that sits on the Burswood Peninsula, just east of Perth’s city centre. The stadium offers beautiful views of the Swan River and Perth to the west, and the foothills to the east. This multi-purpose stadium hosts a wide range of events, including the Australian Football League, international and Big Bash League cricket, soccer, rugby league and union, and concerts.
Betting Odds
At 7bet, you can find bets and offers for various betting markets for the Lions Tour 2025. You can check out our Lions Tour betting page for more information. Ensure that you understand and study the Western Force vs The Lions betting markets and check the odds properly before placing any bets on the match.
How to Watch Western Force vs The Lions (Lions Tour)
Viewers in the UK can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, the official broadcast partner for the British & Irish Lions. Subscribers will also have access to a live stream via Sky Go.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org