THE BRITISH AND Irish Lions have confirmed that players selected for the 2025 tour of Australia will become the first to benefit from a profit-sharing model with the organisation.
The new partnership between the Lions and squad members from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales will see players earn a portion of the tour profits from next summer.
Lions players have traditionally been paid a flat tour fee with bonuses dependent on performance. The Lions have not yet clarified whether the new profit-sharing arrangement will replace or complement the traditional payment model.
The Dublin-based company from which the Lions operate made €9.6 million in profit during the Covid-affected tour of South Africa in 2021. The previous tour to New Zealand yielded €9.3m in profit.
Rugby Players Ireland CEO Simon Keogh acted on behalf of players from all four unions to complete the profit-sharing deal for 2025 and beyond, which the Lions say will also yield “increased collaboration” with players around “scheduling and preparation”.
It’s understood that players will particularly have input into their training schedule prior their departure from Australia, with Andy Farrell’s side set to have a training camp before their pre-tour match against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, 20 June.
Players will also be consulted in a post-tour debrief session to review all aspects of the trip to Australia next summer.
Lions CEO Ben Calveley said: “We know that players love playing for the Lions and it is the pinnacle of their professional careers, and this landmark agreement highlights how they are at the centre of our thinking.
“This announcement reflects the Lions’ integral role within an aligned professional rugby ecosystem and follows the announcement of our strategic partnership with Premiership Rugby and United Rugby Championship, and the joint venture with Rugby Australia for next year’s Tour.”
Ieuan Evans, Irish Lions’ chair, added: “This is a significant development for the players who are integral to the success of every Lions tour, and it is right that their efforts on and off the pitch are recognised.
“With less than nine months to go until the first Test in Australia, anticipation is building, and we are committed to creating the very best environment for our players both on and off the pitch, supporting them all the way and ensuring they have an amazing Lions experience.
“I am delighted that we have reached this agreement with the players and want to thank everyone for their efforts in making it happen.”
Simon Keogh, Rugby Players Ireland CEO, said: “Players are central to the ongoing success of The British & Irish Lions Tours and we are delighted that their views – including those of Lions heroes of the past – have been heard throughout this process. I’d like to thank The British & Irish Lions for their honesty, transparency, and genuine consideration of the players’ voice.
“As a result, I believe that we have reached an agreement that is both fair and reflective of the strong collaboration between all stakeholders in rugby.”
The player captains of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales also expressed their satisfaction with the profit-sharing agreement, with Peter O’Mahony saying that it “recognises the role players play across the Lions tour, both on and off the field.
“It’s great to see a commitment to ensuring everyone benefits from the success of each tour,” added the Munster back row.
Great to see this. As an aside, the Ireland tour next June/July will be fascinating, Easterby with those the don’t make the Lions squad + some from this current EI squad – the likes of Izzy, SP, Kendellen, Murphy, Gus McCarthy, Sheridan, Jude P etc etc
@Andrew Slazenger: the ‘aside’ will be more interesting from an Irish perspective.
The Lions is nothing but a sham nowadays. All about the money and nothing else. Tell the players they won’t receive any payment to play and see how many of them are still willing to get the plane to Oz. It was a great concept in the amateur days but a waste of time now.
@Aidan Farrell: Agree 100%.
@Aidan Farrell: well the south hemisphere emphatically disagrees …speaking as a South African, one of the greatest triumphs a springbok rugby player can achieve “if” they get the opportunity given it comes around every 12 years is to play against the B&I lions and try and win the series …aside from winning world cups, and beating the all blacks through B&I challenge is right up there (especially in the modern era)
@Stanley Marsh: Thanks Stanley, mate.
@Aidan Farrell: Disagree love the lions tour every 4 years since 1989
@Aidan Farrell: of course they would still play. Ryder Cup players don’t get paid. Still hugely popular.
@Kevin Dillon: Ryder Cup players do very well from the exposure and it is 4 days rather than 4 weeks. Many of the LIV players were willing to sacrifice Ryder Cup participation before a deal was done.
@Aidan Farrell: B0ll1x