British and Irish Lions agree landmark player profit share agreement for 2025 Tour
AGREEMENT: The new player profit share deal with the British & Irish Lions recognises the role players play across the Lions Tour, both on and off the field, says Peter O'Mahony.
EX-LIONS skipper Peter O'Mahony has welcomed an agreement which will see the British & Irish Lions share tour profits with its players for the first time.
Those selected for next year's tour to Australia will benefit from a new profit share model from 'distributable post-Tour profits'.
In addition to the new financial model, the agreement will also result in increased collaboration between the Lions organisation and the players, particularly around scheduling and preparation. Players will also engage in a debrief session after the Tour to review all aspects of it in detail.
The players have agreed off-pitch activity and initiatives such as 'personally tailored digital content' daily during the Tour and will also be provided with content post-Tour for use on their own personal social media channels.
Explained Lions CEO, Ben Calveley: "We know that players love playing for the Lions, and it is the pinnacle of their professional careers, and this landmark agreement highlights how they are at the centre of our thinking. I would like to thank Simon Keogh of Rugby Players Ireland who acted on behalf of all the Unions from a player representative perspective and was integral in bringing all of this together. I would also like to thank our Unions who each played a key role in the development of this agreement which crucially reflects the value we place on our players."
Rugby Players Ireland chief Keogh said that players were central to the ongoing success of Lions.
"We are delighted that their views – including those of Lions heroes of the past - have been heard throughout this process. I’d like to thank The British & Irish Lions for their honesty, transparency, and genuine consideration of the players’ voice. As a result, I believe that we have reached an agreement that is both fair and reflective of the strong collaboration between all stakeholders in rugby."
Added Peter O’Mahony: "This agreement recognises the role players play across the Lions Tour, both on and off the field. It’s great to see a commitment to ensuring everyone benefits from the success of each Tour."
