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.

The Lions are preparing for their first match on Australian soil this Saturday, when they take on Western Force at the Optus Stadium. 

Joe Schmidt has allowed Western Force players Nick Champion De Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White to take part in that game.

But their club team-mates Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson are among those who have been retained by Australia head coach Schmidt.

However, those from the Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs, including big names such as Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i and Rob Valetini, will not face the Lions until the Test series.

Schmidt is keen to avoid picking up any injuries ahead of their series with the Lions, given Australia's lack of squad depth. 

Thank you for the warm welcome, Australia pic.twitter.com/4KDDb4PZHj

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 23, 2025

The Lions play against Waratahs on the same weekend as Australia's only warm-up match against Fiji before the first Test in Brisbane on July 19. 

However, Lions chief executive Ben Calveley has reminded the hosts of the terms of their contract. 

He added that Andy Farrell's team want to play the toughest opposition possible to provide adequate preparations for the opening test. 

"We'll see a competitive fixture at the weekend and that's what we're looking for," said Lions chief executive Ben Calveley.

"We want to make sure our guys are battle-hardened when it comes to the Test series.

"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 take it step by step.

"It's really important that these games are competitive. It's not just from a performance standpoint, but it's also right for the fans, partners and broadcasters, who are all expecting competitive fixtures."