Lions to share Australia tour profits with players under new agreement

British & Irish Lions players will get a share of profits during next year's rugby tour of Australia in a new financial partnership model.

The agreement will also lead to increased collaboration with players on scheduling and preparations, including a training camp before the tour and the pre-tour Lions 1888 Cup match in June, the team said in a statement.

"To have the players' voice heard and valued in shaping the team' future is a very welcome development," England player Jamie George said.

Ireland's Peter O'Mahony said it was great to see a commitment to ensuring everyone benefited from the success of each tour.

Players earned a reported 45,000 pounds (NZ$96,000), plus bonuses, for the last tour in South Africa in 2021.

Lions CEO Ben Calveley said that the players' unions had played a key role in developing the new deal.

"This landmark agreement highlights how (players) are at the centre of our thinking," he added.

Simon Keogh, CEO of representative body Rugby Players Ireland, said the agreement was fair and reflective of strong collaboration between the stakeholders of rugby.

The Lions are scheduled to play nine matches between June and August 2025 in their first Australia tour in 12 years.

- Reuters