British & Irish Lions Check In Qatar Airways Deal For Australia Tour
The British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have revealed Qatar Airways as the series title partner for the 2025 Lions tour in Australia.
The Qatar flag carrier, which receives official airline designation, will fly the Lions squad to Australia next year, ahead of the three-test series Down Under.
Next year’s series against Australia will kick off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on 19th July. The second fixture will be staged at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 26th July, before the finale at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on 2nd August.
Qatar Airways also serves as the airline partnership of the United Rugby Championship (URC), and as the South African airline partner of the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).
Beyond rugby union, Qatar Airways’ expansive sports partnership portfolio includes a reported €80m (£67.5m) a year principal sponsorship deal with PSG, as well as deals with Fifa, Formula 1, Inter Milan, Ironman, the Brooklyn Nets and the Sydney Swans.
“An airline partner is a vital logistical component of every Lions tour and alongside our partners in Rugby Australia we are very pleased to welcome Qatar Airways on board as series title partner and official airline for the 2025 tour to Australia,” said Ben Calveley, CEO of the British & Irish Lions.
“This three-way partnership, between the Lions, Rugby Australia and Qatar Airways will play an important part in delivering the Lions Tour in 2025.”
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer at Qatar Airways, added, “We are taking our commitment to the sport of rugby to the next level, flying some of the world’s best athletes, coaching staff and officials to compete in the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025.
“We look forward to enabling rugby fans across the world to connect for this unique sporting event.”
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