Lions reveal shirt for Australia tour

The Lions will play nine matches in Australia, plus a warm-up game against Argentina in Dublin

The British and Irish Lions have unveiled their shirt for next year's tour of Australia, revealing they will wear a darker shade of red.

The shirt also features a pattern woven into the fabric, symbolising the union of four nations, and an old-fashioned 'grandad' collar.

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said the change in colour was intended to create a shirt that was "more wearable for the fans" away from matches.

The Lions depart for Australia in June, aiming to win a series for the first time since their last visit to the country in 2013.

"Excitement is really starting to build for next year and this jersey launch is only going to add to it," said Lions head coach Andy Farrell.

"That goes for me, all rugby fans, and all those who are playing for places on that touring squad."

Rugby Australia chief commercial officer James Durbin said the Wallabies' pool-stage exit at last year's World Cup has not dented enthusiasm for the three Tests against the Lions.

"The excitement for this tour is like nothing we have ever seen before in Australia," he said.

"It comes at a very important time for rugby in Australia. We have had a very significant reset on and off the field in the past 12 months and this tour is really the gateway leading into a golden period for rugby in Australia, with us hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the 2029 Rugby World Cup for the women and the Olympics in 2032 for our Sevens teams."

Under new coach Joe Schmidt, Australia finished bottom of the recent Rugby Championship with one win from six matches.

Durbin said: "Joe Schmidt has been in charge of the Wallabies for about six months now and you can already see the changes he is making and the influence he is having on the team.

"He is looking for progress and how the team is performing, not Ws and Ls in the ledger at the moment."