SCHMIDT RELEASE WARNING

TOUR AGREEMENT

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

THE British & Irish Lions have told Australia boss Joe Schmidt he must release his Test stars for provincial games against the tourists or he will be in breach of the tour agreement.

The Lions are desperate to have some top-quality opposition in the five matches leading up to the first Test in Brisbane on July 19 and wrote it into a contract.

For the first time the Lions and the ARU are partners in the entire tour, sharing profits, but part of that deal is that Wallaby stars are available to play against them before the internationals.

Past Lions teams have gone into Test series undercooked as home sides have shielded their big guns and Schmidt (above) has already warned he may do the same.