Lions enjoy rare status as heavy favourites as Australia fight for credibility

If the British and Irish Lions were playing for their very existence on their last adventure to Australia, 2025 is about keeping tradition alive for a different reason.

Warren Gatland’s team headed Down Under 12 years ago in pursuit of a first series triumph since 1997 and, having lost seven out of nine Tests thereafter, the future of the entire concept was at stake.

“There’s no hiding from the fact that it’s important for the Lions to win this time,” Gatland said after the opener in Brisbane had been clinched 23-21.

An epic fixture schedule locked in!