Schmidt hits back at Lions' claims over releasing stars

AUSTRALIA head coach Joe Schmidt has hit back at the British and Irish Lions over their warning he is contractually obliged to release his stars to their Super Rugby franchises throughout the tour.

- Duncan BECH

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley on Monday called for all Wallabies to be allowed to represent the Western Force, Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies in the build-up to the Test series, stating their involvement is part of the tour agreement.

Head coach Andy Farrell wants his squad to be battle-hardened by the time international hostilities commence on July 19, but Schmidt has said he will ring-fence a core of 25 players for the warm-up game against Fiji on July 6 to ensure they avoid injury.

Only Saturday's opponents the Western Force are certain to have access to their full contingent of Wallabies, with Schmidt insisting it is unrealistic to expect frontline operators such as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau to double up for their franchise and country.