Availability row brews over star Wallabies

British and Irish Lions management has 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.

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SYDNEY - British and Irish Lions management has 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 on June 23.

"That is our expectation, it's really important that these games are competitive.