Former Ireland and British and Irish Lions player Fergus Slattery has passed away at the age of 77. A celebrated figure in Irish rugby, Slattery earned 61 caps and captained the national team, notably contributing to their Triple Crown wins in 1982 and 1985. He also represented the Lions on tours in 1971 and 1974.
Jo Yapp, former England captain, appointed as the first British and Irish Lions Women coach for the inaugural 2027 tour in New Zealand, aiming to 'create something truly special' with a team drawn from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Former Scotland rugby union centre Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61. Hastings, who won 65 caps for Scotland and played in two British and Irish Lions tours, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, May 17, after undergoing cancer treatment.
Rugby Australia announced a record operating surplus of A$70 million (US$50 million) driven by the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, which drew huge crowds to nine matches including three Tests and brought tens of thousands of overseas fans. CEO Phil Waugh said the surplus would enable a sustainable future for the sport after years of losses, with a dedicated investment fund to manage the funds and an expected further A$70-A$100 million from hosting next year's Rugby World Cup.
Organisation goes from $37m deficit to $70m profit in 12 monthsRecord operating surplus largely thanks to successful Lions tour Supporters of the British and Irish Lions have given Rugby Australia a financial launchpad ahead of the men’s and women’s World Cups, driving a record $70.6m surplus in 2025.The result, helped by strong attendance at the three Lions matches and a full calendar of Tests, reverses the pain of the previous period, when RA recorded a $37m deficit. Continue reading...
