
Lions CEO: It is 100 per cent our ambition to return to Australia
Calveley was speaking at the end of nine-game tour in which Andy Farrell's Lions completed a 2-1 series win over the Australians in front of record crowds throughout the five-week trip.
The Tests alone were played out in front of more than 220,000 supporters, including the largest number of travelling fans to leave Irish and British shores with the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground hosting a series-clinching victory eight days ago in front of a Lions Test record crowd of 90,307.
Read More
Ireland to compete in inaugural Rugby Nations Championship in Australia in 2026
The first and final Tests were both sold out with 52,000 in Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium and 80,013 at Sydney's Accor Stadium to see the Wallabies salvage some pride with a 22-12 victory on a stormy night that saw the second half interrupted by a 37-minute delay for lightning strikes in the area.
It all added up to a tour bringing in record profits for both the Lions and Rugby Australia with Calveley describing revenues set to be 'significantly higher than anything we've seen in the past'.
All of which is a compelling argument for Australia to remain in the Lions rotation every 12 years amid suggestions from some quarters that other countries such as France and Argentina would make for more worthy opponents.
Farrell repeated his assertion on Saturday that such talk was 'insulting' to Australian rugby and the following day the chief executive was unequivocal that the Lions would return in 2037.
'I would absolutely envisage returning to Australia,' Calveley said.
'Just to be very clear, I know there's been loads of speculation about whether that would be the case or not, but we've had a wonderful tour here, and it is 100 per cent our ambition to return, and we would want the next one to be bigger and better than this one.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Irish Independent
17 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Luxembourg axe star man Gerson Rodrigues after controversial appearance at home to Ireland
Their manager Luc Holtz had already paid the price for his role in the episode by being denied a contract extension. Ireland's friendly in Luxembourg in June was marked by protests from home supporters at the presence of Rodrigues in the side, their second home friendly of that June window. He had been convicted of a domestic abuse charge and was given an 18-month suspended sentence but politicians and women's rights groups there protested at the fact he was being selected. Irish fans in the stadium joined in the protests, with travelling supporters from Ireland displaying the red card and booing any time Rodrigues touched the ball. Long-serving coach Holtz had defended, before the game and in the aftermath, his call to select the player saying there was no legal block on his selection. Last month the Luxembourg FA decided, after a 'thorough analysis' of the matter, not to extend Holtz's contract when his current deal runs out in December, though they plan for him to be in charge for World Cup qualifiers, including a date with Northern Ireland. The FLF also apologised to a local journalist who had been barred from attending a press conference over his coverage of the affair. And now they have stated that Rodrigues – who has since moved to a club in Thailand – will not be selected for national team duty. They begin their World Cup campaign at home to Northern Ireland next month. 'The image of the Luxembourg football institution and all its members has been affected by the 'Gerson Rodrigues affair'. We would like to point out that the reputation of the Federation and its members is above any individuality and sporting considerations,' the FLF said. 'Despite the advice and recommendations that the Federation officials tried to give to the player concerned, he did not respond favourably. 'Consequently, the board of directors has decided that the aforementioned player is no longer eligible for selection until further notice for future international matches of the national team.'


Extra.ie
37 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
SAIPAN to have world premiere at major global film festival
One of 2025's most anticipated Irish films has finally gotten its world premiere date. SAIPAN, which tells the story of the infamous feud between Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane and national team manager Mick McCarthy during preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, will celebrate its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. The flick will be screening as part of the Centrepiece programme which recognises the best of international cinema. Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane in SAIPAN. Pic: WildCard Distribution The hugely anticipated film about the infamous confrontation sees Éanna Hardwicke take on the role of Roy Keane while Mick McCarthy is played by Steve Coogan. The film joins the lineup for TIFF's landmark 50th edition, which will run from 4 – 14 September. Speaking about the world premiere, directors Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn said: 'Having premiered our last film Ordinary Love at TIFF we are thrilled to be returning with Saipan and are so honoured to be included in the stellar TIFF 50 line up. It is such a special festival to screen and watch films and TIFF audiences are the very best.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@extradotie) The official synopsis for the film reads: 'SAIPAN is the thrilling story of football player Roy Keane and his manager Mick McCarthy, and the events leading up to Ireland's incendiary 2002World Cup campaign. 'The intense rivalry between these two personalities transcended the game, gripping an entire nation and the sporting world. On the surface, the feud was all about standards, but deep down it was a hugely emotive story of two men whose rivalry and contempt came to surpass the sport they loved. This is the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport.' Directed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn and based on an original script by Paul Fraser (Heartlands, A Room for Romeo Brass), SAIPAN stars BAFTA nominated Éanna Hardwicke (Lakelands, The Sixth Commandment)as Roy Keane, with two-time Academy Award® nominee Steve Coogan (Philomena, The Reckoning) as Mick McCarthy. Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy in SAIPAN. Pic: WildCard Distribution Supporting cast includes Alice Lowe (Sightseers), Jamie Beamish (Derry Girls), Alex Murphy (The Young Offenders), Harriet Cains (Bridgerton)and Peter McDonald (The Batman). The film is produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures (Evil Dead Rise, Cocaine Bear, Black 47) along with Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler for Fine Point Films (Kneecap, No Stone Unturned) with Patrick O'Neill, Rachael O'Kane, Rupert Preston and Ed Caffrey serving as Executive Producers. Last year, it was revealed that a mansion on Belfast's northside was used for filming, with the location set up as the house of McCarthy. Producers Kelleher and Keville previously said: 'A million words have been written about what happened on that fateful week in 2002 on the tiny island of Saipan. 'Next year, audiences will finally get to experience first-hand the feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy and why it was labelled 'the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign ever.''


Irish Daily Mirror
37 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
F1 team take action against broadcaster as pundit declares 'they don't like us'
Aston Martin have reportedly decided to refrain from giving interviews to Sky Germany due to what they perceive as recent negative coverage of the team, according to Express Sport. This comes in the wake of alleged biased reporting from the broadcaster. As per a report from German newspaper BILD, Aston Martin declined Sky Germany's request to interview their chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, ahead of the Hungarian GP. Team owner Lawrence Stroll also turned down an opportunity for a live on-air chat. Ralf Schumacher explained the situation to viewers, stating: "I know they're not giving us any more interviews because they don't like us that much at the moment." Co-pundit Peter Hardenacke provided further insight, admitting: "We were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin,". Express Sport has learned that Aston Martin have restricted the broadcaster's access to drivers and team personnel for the time being, pending more balanced reporting. Discussions between the two parties are ongoing with the aim of resolving the matter, reports the Express. Despite the lack of exclusive interviews, Sky Germany will still be able to interact with Aston Martin team members during the open media sessions held on Thursdays in the paddock. Schumacher made harsh comments about Lance Stroll after the British GP (Image: Getty) Aston Martin has responded following harsh remarks from Schumacher about driver Lance Stroll after the British Grand Prix. "It's the worst piece of s**t I've ever driven in my life, to be honest," the Canadian told race engineer Gary Gannon. "But it's okay. Seventh." Sky Germany pundit Schumacher was quick to criticise these comments. "I have to say, this statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it's a question of manners," he said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. "You have to consider the external impact. The mechanics who work tirelessly so that the two can race - and then the boss's son comes along and says: 'Wonderful, and with such a crappy car.' I have to say, that's completely unacceptable, that's an absolute no-go "I would hope that at the next race, he goes and apologises. It's just a shame, unspeakable, and it indicates a poor upbringing. "I don't know what film he thinks he's starring in, but such statements diminish his own results. "These are important points, after all. One mustn't forget: These are also significant bonuses for the mechanics and the like. And when someone then ruins it like that - quite honestly, you have to say: Grade F, dear Lance - and apologise to the team.".