Lions Partnership with URC and Premiership

There's been a lot of coverage of this deal but it's only with the two leagues covering Home Union teams. Usually, that's not important. On the 2021, only Finn Russell, with Racing, was signed elsewhere In two years time, however, a number of players could be in other leagues, with many not entitled to be selected for their national sides.

Will the next Lions coach have a free hand to select any qualified player, or will they be encouraged to prefer URC and Premiership players? Gatland hinted before that lack of access to Premiership players may have tipped the balance on his last selections, so the next coach might not even need encouragement.

This question comes up because players like LRZ and Maro Itoje are being linked with France. If they have Lions ambitions, then this will surely be a question they are considering. Of course, if Ireland remain top Six Nations dogs, then there may be less of a need to cast a wide net, as all their players will be with the URC.

https://www.lionsrugby.com/2023/11/16/british-irish-lions-announce-strategic-partnership-with-premiership-rugby-and-united-rugby-championship/

The British & Irish Lions have today announced the formation of a historic partnership with Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship for the 2025 Lions Tour to Australia.

The strategic partnership has been formed following a period of consultation between all parties and demonstrates a commitment from the different parts of the rugby eco-system to work together for the good of the game.

The partnership will see the Lions working collaboratively with Premiership Rugby, the United Rugby Championship, and their clubs to enhance the Tour’s offering.

A critical aspect of the partnership is alignment on the Tour schedule and this agreement will now enable all selected British & Irish Lions players to be available for all pre-tour activities. The partnership will also facilitate a collaborative approach to digital content, events and key announcements, as well as other marketing and promotional activities.

This would have been interesting:  https://www.cityam.com/british-irish-lions-turned-down-las-vegas-match-for-2025/

doctor_grey wrote:This would have been interesting:  https://www.cityam.com/british-irish-lions-turned-down-las-vegas-match-for-2025/

That would have been interesting and great exposure to the game in the US. They seem hell bent on making this the most boring B&I tour in history though.

Hopefully Gatland is back to coach the Lions and less Scottish are picked on the next one (just 2 at the most).