Rugby Australia sells 500,000 tickets for Lions tour

Rugby Australia is gearing up for the largest British and Irish Lions tour ever. Phil Waugh, the chief executive, says the main goal is to win the series in July. He confirmed that top players will not be excluded for overseas commitments in 2026 and emphasized the importance of having the best team on the field. Interest in the Lions tour has soared, leading to over 500,000 tickets sold. This surpasses the previous record of 380,000 tickets sold in 2014. Small batches of tickets are still available as businesses and groups return their bookings. Rugby Australia is also planning an Indigenous and Pasifika game in Melbourne, mainly featuring local players. Ticket sales and the overall commercial interest suggest Rugby Australia could earn over $100 million from the series. This financial boost will help pay off an $80 million debt from 2023 and improve the sport's fiscal health ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Waugh expressed confidence about the future of the Wallabies, highlighting recent contract renewals for key players. Names like Harry Wilson and Nick Frost have committed through 2027. Despite this, some players are attracting interest from overseas clubs, creating uncertainty about their participation in the Lions series. While there have been strategies to focus on youth, Waugh insists that the team must prioritize winning the Lions series. He mentioned that selection for the tour will not follow any strict policy regarding overseas contracts. Regarding coach Joe Schmidt's future, discussions are ongoing about his replacement. Waugh hinted that Queensland's Les Kiss is a strong candidate. The aim is to ensure continuity for the team’s progress. In conclusion, Rugby Australia is in a crucial period, balancing immediate performance needs with long-term development as it prepares for the historic Lions tour.