British and Irish Lions warn Australia must release players for tour fixtures

The British and Irish Lions have warned Australia they will be in breach of contract if they fail to release their Test stars for all tour games involving Super Rugby teams.

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has allowed Western Force players Nick Champion De Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White to take part in Saturday’s first match Down Under in Perth.

However, all those from the Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies, including big names such as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Rob Valetini, will not face the Lions until the Test series.

Given Australia’s lack of depth, Schmidt is keen to avoid picking up any injuries while their warm-up fixture against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6, which takes place the day after the tourists meet the Waratahs, is another obstacle.

However, Lions chief executive Ben Calveley has reminded the hosts of the terms of the tour contract, knowing Andy Farrell’s men want to play the toughest possible opposition to provide adequate preparation for the opening Test on July 19.

“We’ll see a competitive fixture at the weekend and that’s what we’re looking for. We want to make sure our guys are battle-hardened when it comes to the Test series,” Calveley said.

“The agreement is very clear – it says that Test players have to be released to play in fixtures leading into that series. That is our expectation.

“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.