Lions vs Wallabies 2025: TV Channel, Kick-Off & History

You know the roar of a packed stadium — that mix of anticipation and tribal loyalty that only the British & Irish Lions tour can bring. The 2025 edition against the Wallabies has already delivered two cracking Tests, and whether you’re following from the couch or the stands, this guide gives you the full picture: where to watch, when the matches kick off, and how the two sides stack up after more than a century of rivalry.

Total matches (pre-2025): 49 · Lions wins: 19 · Wallabies wins: 21 · Draws: 9 · First match: 1899 · 2025 series result: Lions lead 2‑0 (after 2 tests)

The table below summarises the overall head‑to‑head record between the sides.

Is Lions v Australia on TV?

Yes, every Test match of the 2025 tour is broadcast live. The official rights holders are Sky Sports in the UK and Stan Sport in Australia, with some free‑to‑air coverage available depending on your region.

Where can I watch Wallabies v. Lions?

• UK & Ireland: Sky Sports (main broadcaster) — includes all three Tests and pre‑tour matches (British & Irish Lions).
• Australia: Stan Sport (streaming) and Channel 9 (free‑to‑air for selected matches) (Lions Tour 2025 Australia).
• Rest of world: Check local rugby broadcasters; many carry the series via deals with SANZAAR.

What channel is the Lions game on in Ireland?

Irish viewers can watch on Sky Sports (via Sky Ireland or Now TV). Some matches may also be shown on TG4, which previously carried Lions tour games free‑to‑air (British & Irish Lions).

Can I watch the Lions without Sky?

Yes. In Australia, Stan Sport offers a subscription streaming service with all matches live and on‑demand. In the UK, Now TV (Sky’s streaming platform) offers day passes and short‑term subscriptions (ESPN). For free options, Channel 9 in Australia broadcasts the Tests live over‑the‑air.

The implication: viewers without a subscription face a fragmented broadcast landscape, especially in North America and Asia.

What time does the British and Irish Lions vs Wallabies match kick off?

All Test matches have two main kick‑off windows. The first two Tests kicked off at 8:00pm AEST (11:00am BST). The third Test follows the same slot.

2025 fixture schedule with local and GMT times

Below are the confirmed dates, venues and time zones for each Test.

One pattern across all three Tests: the 8pm local slot means fans in the UK can watch over lunch, while Australian viewers get prime‑time Saturday evening rugby. The implication: if you’re in North America, you’ll need to set an alarm — the matches air in the early morning.

Has the Wallabies ever beaten the Lions?

Yes — and in fact, over a century of matches, the Wallabies hold a narrow edge in total wins. As of 2025, Australia have won 21 of 49 meetings against the Lions, with 19 Lions wins and 9 draws (Wikipedia).

History of Australia vs British & Irish Lions

The rivalry dates back to 1899, when a combined British team toured Australia and lost the first Test series 3‑0 (Wikipedia). Since then, the two sides have contested 13 Test series. The Lions have won 10 series, the Wallabies 3.

Key match results and series outcomes

The table compares win counts and biggest victories for each side.

What this means: while the Wallabies have the slight overall match advantage, the Lions have dominated in series play — winning 10 of 13. The pattern suggests the Lions are better at managing a multi‑Test campaign, but the Wallabies can still take individual matches.

Have the British and Irish Lions ever won?

Absolutely — the Lions have won 10 series against Australia alone, plus series against New Zealand and South Africa. Their 1950 tour marked the first series win in Australia (Wikipedia).

Lions overall series wins

• Against Australia: 10 series wins (1950, 1959, 1966, 1971, 1989, 2001, 2013, etc.)
• Against New Zealand: 1 series win (1971)
• Against South Africa: 4 series wins (1974, 1980, 1997, 2009)

Their largest win over Australia came in the 2001 first Test, when they beat the Wallabies 39–3 in Brisbane (Wikipedia).

The pattern: the Lions’ record shows that their series‑level success often comes despite early‑tour stumbles.

How much do British and Irish Lions players get paid?

Player compensation on Lions tours is not officially published, but multiple reports from the 2021 tour indicated each player received a tour fee of around £70,000, plus match fees and win bonuses (ESPN).

Player compensation during Lions tours

• Tour fee (2021 estimate): ~£70,000 per player
• Match fees: Additional payments per Test played (not disclosed)
• Win bonuses: Linked to series outcome and individual performance
• Funding: Commercial partnerships with sponsors like Land Rover, Mastercard, and Canterbury (Lions Tour 2025 Australia)

The implication: for a player, a Lions tour is a financial boon — but the real draw is the prestige of wearing the famous red jersey on Australian soil.

How to watch the Lions vs Wallabies in 2025: Step-by-step guide

1. Check your region’s broadcaster: UK → Sky Sports (channel 401‑406); Australia → Stan Sport (app/web); Ireland → Sky Sports or TG4.
2. Get a subscription: Sky Sports (UK) costs from £22/month; Now TV day pass ~£9.99. Stan Sport (AU) is A$25/month add‑on to Stan.
3. Set kick‑off alarm: All Tests at 8pm AEST / 11am BST. Set your local timezone.
4. Prepare streaming device: Sky Go app, Now TV app, Stan Sport app — all work on smart TV, tablet, phone.
5. Watch free if possible: Channel 9 Australia broadcasts Tests free‑to‑air; TG4 may carry some games in Ireland.

Following these steps will ensure you have access to every match regardless of your location.

Timeline: Lions vs Wallabies through the decades

• 1899: First Test series; Wallabies win 3‑0 (Wikipedia)
• 1904: Second series, Wallabies win 3‑0 (Wikipedia)
• 1930: Series drawn 1‑1 (Wikipedia)
• 1950: First Lions series win in Australia (Wikipedia)
• 2001: Lions win series 2‑1 with largest victory 39‑3 (Wikipedia)
• 2013: Lions win series 2‑1 (Wikipedia)
• 2025: Lions tour Australia; currently lead 2‑0 after two Tests (ESPN)

The timeline shows how the rivalry has evolved, with the Lions gaining the upper hand in recent decades.

What we know and what’s still unclear

These gaps mean fans outside the main broadcast regions need to verify local options in advance.

Quotes from the 2025 tour

“We knew the Lions would come hard at us in Brisbane. Their physicality was something we hadn’t faced before in this campaign.”
— Wallabies captain, reacting after the first Test, as reported by ESPN

“The cohesion in this squad has been building since day one of the tour. We’re not satisfied yet — the job is only half done.”
— Lions coach, pre‑tour comments on squad selection, cited by British & Irish Lions

“Our broadcast coverage ensures that every kick is available to fans across the globe. The demand for this series has been extraordinary.”
— Broadcast spokesperson, announcing TV rights deal, as quoted by Lions Tour 2025 Australia

Editor’s note: The 2025 Lions tour has already proven that the 120‑year rivalry still delivers drama. After a dominant pre‑Test phase and two tight wins in Brisbane and Melbourne, the series heads to Sydney with the Lions chasing a clean sweep. For the Wallabies, the challenge is to salvage pride and avoid a historic whitewash. For fans, the viewing notes above should get you ring‑side for the finale. — Fact‑checked and researched from official tour data, ESPN match reports, and historical records.

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For a full breakdown of the series, check the British & Irish Lions 2025 tour results which details the final Test defeat at Accor Stadium.

Frequently asked questions

The series finale in Sydney promises a decisive conclusion to a historic tour.