Destination NSW, in collaboration with Venues NSW, hosted a tour of Sydney stadiums on 4 July 2025 for accredited UK media attending the British and Irish Lions Tour.

The delegation visited Allianz Stadium prior to the Waratahs and Lions match and the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes, followed by a dinner in the Members Pavillion.

The tour was also an opportunity to highlight Sydney as a global sporting destination in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup in 2027.

During the British and Irish Lions Tour, nine games will be played in six weeks across the country, including matches against every Australian Super Rugby team, a combined AUNZ invitational XV and a new First Nations Pasifika XV.

The tour will culminate with a three-Test series against the Wallabies, with the Lions the defending champions after their 2-1 series win in 2013.

Destination NSW is supporting two matches during the tour. Following the British and Irish Lions versus NSW Waratahs match, the Wallabies will take on the British & Irish at Accor Stadium on 2 August.

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones gave a briefing to the media delegation on Sydney's leading role as a major events and cultural destination for international visitors.

"We expect tens of thousands of fans to travel to Sydney during the British and Irish Lions Tour – many from the UK and Ireland," she said.

"They won’t just fill stadiums. They will stay in hotels, dine in restaurants, visit attractions and explore the city by day and night."

Ms Jones also highlighted that Sydney is the beating heart of Australian rugby – the birthplace of the game in this country, home to both its largest participation base and its most passionate fans.

Pictured above: Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones and Venues NSW Chair David Gallop.

Extended trading hours for Lions tour

The NSW Government has ensured local hospitality venues can take full advantage of the British & Irish Lions Tour by facilitating extended late-night trading for the two Sydney matches.

Pubs, bars and clubs across the city were able to trade until 1am following the Lions’ clash with the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on 4 July.

For the Lions v Wallabies Test at Accor Stadium on 2 August, extended trading will apply to eligible venues in the City of Sydney and City of Parramatta, allowing them to stay open until 2am.

These extended hours allow local fans and the touring Lions’ supporters more time to soak up the atmosphere of these word class matches in a safe and lively way beyond the final whistle.

Lions Tours to Australia only happen once every 12 years and this year’s version will provide a major boost to the NSW visitor economy and put the state’s world-class hospitality and entertainment offering in the global spotlight.

Pictured above: Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones with Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.