O’Connor was named by Australia coach Joe Schmidt in a live selection press conference in Brisbane on Friday, ahead of next Saturday's first Test at Suncorp Stadium. The 35-year-old was called into the squad to replace Noah Lolesio, who was ruled out after undergoing neck surgery earlier in the week.

(Reuters) -Australia coach Joe Schmidt called up experienced flyhalf James O'Connor into his squad for the three tests against the British & Irish Lions on Friday after losing Noah Lolesio for the series.

Three decades since they came into existence, the ACT Brumbies lay claim to being Australia’s most successful Super Rugby franchise and will hope for more success against The British & Irish Lions.

The British & Irish Lions overcame a stubborn Brumbies outfit to claim a 36-24 victory in Canberra. This was far from perfect by the tourists who were not at their very best but they were never truly in danger of falling short in the Australian capital.

British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has named a strong squad for Wednesday’s game against the Brumbies with Maro Itoje returning as captain

The British and Irish Lions ramp up preparations for the first Test against Australia in their latest tour match on Wednesday. Andy Farrell’s side are in the capital Canberra, where they face the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium in what is their penultimate fixture ahead of the three-game Wallabies series opener in Brisbane on July 19.

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hopes captain Ryan Lonergan’s strong showing against the British & Irish Lions is proof the scrumhalf is ready for a golden jersey. Lonergan has been on the verge of a Test debut for the Wallabies for several years, included in camps by several different coaches.

Ollie Chessum, James Lowe, Marcus Smith, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier score tries as Lions beat Brumbies in Canberra; Blair Kinghorn limps off early with knee injury; Watch every game of 2025 Lions tour,