TNT Sports Lose British & Irish Lions Tour TV Rights to Broadcast Rival

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Sky Sports Wins the Battle Despite stiff competition from TNT Sport, who will exclusively air the Autumn Internationals next month, Sky Sports emerged victorious in the race for broadcasting rights. Rugby lovers across the UK and Ireland can now look forward to watching all the live action on Sky Sports and NOW as the Lions prepare to lock horns with the Wallabies.

Lions Look to Roar Again The Lions have history on their side after clinching a dramatic 2-1 Series win in Australia back in 2013. This Tour, however, comes on the heels of a difficult, Covid-impacted campaign in South Africa in 2021. Now, they are eager to bounce back and chase back-to-back Series wins Down Under.

First Stop: Suncorp Stadium – The Cauldron The adventure kicks off at Brisbane’s iconic Suncorp Stadium—known as 'The Cauldron'—a venue famous for its fierce atmosphere. The Lions will be out to make a statement, and with the Wallabies standing in their way, fans can expect fireworks from the first whistle.

Ben Calveley Hypes the Tour Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, couldn’t be more thrilled about the partnership. He said: "Sky Sports have been an outstanding broadcast partner to The British & Irish Lions for many years. The quality of production, presenters, expert panellists, and overall analysis they deliver really enriches the Series and makes for a compelling offering for fans watching at home."

With the 2025 Tour preparations heating up, excitement is building fast, and Sky Sports will be at the heart of it all.

Get ready for drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments as the Lions head Down Under for another epic chapter in rugby history!

Spoiler alert: it’s not a Welshman. In fact, there’s not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.

Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care's Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, “I’ve seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He’s got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there’s one Welsh player to make the tour, it’s him.” But even that wasn't enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.

Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park is "the best scrum-half" around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!

The surprises didn’t stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England’s Marcus Smith over Scotland's Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and England’s Ollie Lawrence.

Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England’s George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland's Hugo Keenan

15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.

14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.

13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.

12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.

11. Duhan van der Merwe: A powerful wing with a knack for scoring tries, van der Merwe combines size with speed, making him a difficult player to stop in one-on-one situations.

10. Marcus Smith: A talented fly-half known for his creativity and tactical awareness, Smith is adept at orchestrating play and has a keen eye for gap opportunities in the defense.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park: A sharp and agile scrum-half, Gibson-Park is recognised for his quick decision-making and ability to control the pace of the game, making him a vital link between forwards and backs.

1. Ellis Genge: A formidable loosehead prop with a strong scrummaging technique, Genge is also known for his ball-carrying abilities and aggression in the contact area.

2. Jamie George: An experienced hooker, George is a key figure in the scrum and lineout, combining technical skill with strong leadership qualities, often serving as a stabilizing force in the forward pack.

3. Tadhg Furlong: One of the world's premier tighthead props, Furlong is renowned for his scrummaging prowess and ability to contribute to open play, showcasing exceptional athleticism for his position.

4. Maro Itoje: A dynamic lock with exceptional physicality and athleticism, Itoje is a key defensive player, known for his ability to disrupt opposition ball and make crucial tackles.

5. Tadhg Beirne: A versatile forward capable of playing both lock and flanker, Beirne is recognized for his work rate, breakdown skills, and ability to contribute to the team's attacking play.

6. Courtney Lawes: A powerful and athletic second-row, Lawes is known for his aggressive tackling and leadership on the field, providing both physical presence and strategic insight to the team.

7. Josh van der Flier: A tireless openside flanker, van der Flier is known for his exceptional work rate and ability to make crucial turnovers, often leading the defensive efforts.

8. Caelan Doris (captain): As the captain of the team, Doris is a dynamic back-row player known for his physicality and leadership skills, playing a crucial role in both defence and attack, while also motivating his teammates.