Wallabies coach denies breaking Lions tour deal, says test prep takes priority over midweek games

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has rejected mounting criticism from British & Irish Lions officials over player availability, insisting Australia remains committed to the terms of the tour agreement and won’t jeopardise its Fiji Test preparations to field frontline stars in provincial matches.

The dispute escalated after Lions chief executive Ben Calveley demanded that Wallaby players be released to their Super Rugby teams for midweek games against the touring side. While several fringe internationals will turn out for Western Force this Saturday, Schmidt confirmed key players will be unavailable for clashes against the Reds, Waratahs, and Brumbies as they prepare for a crucial warm-up Test against Fiji in Newcastle on 6 July.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Schmidt dismissed claims that Rugby Australia had breached any contractual obligations. “I’ve read the tours agreement,” he said, “and it’s about best intentions to have high-quality players available. It doesn’t specify that every Wallaby from every club must be released for every Lions game.”

He added, “We play Fiji on Sunday. The Waratahs play Saturday night. It’s counterproductive to expect someone to play two matches back-to-back at that level.”

The Lions begin their provincial tour on 2 July against the Reds in Brisbane, with all three midweek fixtures crammed into eight days. Lions coach Andy Farrell is reportedly eager to see strong opposition fielded throughout, not only to properly assess his squad ahead of the Test series but also to justify ticket prices for fans expecting elite contests.

But Schmidt pointed to a double standard, noting that the Lions themselves are unlikely to roll out their strongest XV every week. “Are they going to play their best team every time? That’s unlikely,” he said. “So are we going to play all our top players in every match? Again, unlikely.”

The former Ireland boss acknowledged the logistical and physical strain the packed schedule imposes on players and coaches alike. “There’s some serious plate spinning at the moment,” he quipped. “We’ve got to balance preparations, injuries, recovery and high-performance priorities. That’s just the reality.”

As it stands, Australia’s squad to face the Lions in the non-Test games is expected to feature several players from Schmidt’s wider training group, including Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Flook, Seru Uru and Angus Blyth. Many have recently returned from injury or were on the fringes of Test selection, but Schmidt insists they remain quality opponents.

“Just about everyone who’ll play the Lions was part of our extended squad,” he stated. “We’re doing our utmost to uphold the spirit of the agreement.”

Schmidt hinted that further Wallaby players might be released for the provincial games depending on training outcomes this week, particularly among the Reds squad. But the emphasis, he reiterated, must remain on the national side’s cohesion and readiness for the looming Fiji clash and the Test series against the Lions that follows.

Ultimately, the row reflects the tension between commercial expectations and player welfare in a high-stakes rugby tour. With both sides now standing firm, it remains to be seen whether a middle ground will be found — or whether more sparks will fly before the first whistle blows in Brisbane.