Lions demand best for Australia warm-ups

Row brews over players availability

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British and Irish Lions management have made it clear they expect Wallabies to be made available for the four matches the tourists will play against Super Rugby sides as they build up to the Test series.

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said it was vital that the tourists faced tough opposition as they try to bring English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh players together in one team for the three Tests in late July and August.

“The agreement is very clear, it says that Test players have to be released to play in fixtures leading into that series,” he told reporters in Perth.

“That is our expectation, it’s really important that these games are competitive.

“It’s not just for a performance standpoint — the players do want to test themselves and build towards the Test series — but it’s also right for the fans, partners and broadcasters who are all expecting competitive fixtures.

“We'll play the game at the weekend and will carry on having discussions with [Rugby Australia chief executive] Phil Waugh and will take it step-by-step.”