The British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have announced the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as their chosen Global Charity Partner.
This partnership offers a vital platform to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most iconic ecosystems on the planet.
The British & Irish Lions is committed to uniting, inspiring and leaving a legacy and its partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation will help do this by making a positive contribution to the protection and conservation of biodiversity in Australia.
In collaboration with Rugby Australia, this partnership unites two proud rugby forces, renowned for their intense rivalry, as they come together to tackle a pressing global concern.
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ to more than 1,600 species of fish, dolphins, whales, dugongs, and six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles—Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and a natural wonder of the world. However, climate change poses the most significant threat to its survival.
Since the 1950s, our planet has lost half of its coral reefs, with climate change causing more frequent and severe mass coral bleaching events and severe storms. Without action, up to 90% could disappear by 2050.
The Lions has 136 years of unique sporting history and heritage, and in June 2025 will head down under for what is the most widely anticipated Tour yet. This will attract the attention of rugby fans from around the globe and the partnership aims to leverage this international spotlight to engage the rugby community in critical conversations about marine conservation.
Uniting for the Reef: Joe Roff (Rugby Australia) Anna Marsden (Great Barrier Reef Foundation) and Ben Caveley (British & Irish Lions).
Anna Marsden, Managing Director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration: “We are incredibly honoured to be the official Global Charity Partner for the upcoming Lions Tour. This is an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect and restore our coral reefs by connecting with rugby fans and the wider community. Together, we can inspire action and pioneer solutions to ensure a future for our coral reefs.”
The partnership will focus on several key initiatives, including:
- Awareness campaigns: Engaging fans through targeted messaging about the importance of coral reef conservation.
- Educational experiences: Providing interactive experiences at matches, highlighting the ecological significance of the Great Barrier Reef and the collective efforts to protect and restore this vital ecosystem.
- Fundraising opportunities: Providing opportunities for fans and partners to join #TeamReef and support the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s conservation efforts.
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, said: “The Lions Tour represents unity and collaboration, and we are excited to partner with Rugby Australia and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. By joining forces, we can harness the power of rugby and that of The British & Irish Lions to raise awareness and support for one of the most critical environmental issues of our time.
“The Lions is a force for good in both sport and society and we are committed to leaving a positive legacy amongst the communities that we visit – in line with our very own People. Place. Pride strategy. Our ambition is to make sure that this tour is the greatest ever – and that means making an impact both on and off the pitch.”
Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, emphasised the importance of this partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as our official Global Charity Partner for the Lions Tour. This collaboration embodies our commitment to not only celebrate rugby but also to advocate for environmental stewardship. We hope to inspire fans to join us in protecting our natural wonder.
“As we face a critical decade for action, we must accelerate efforts to protect marine habitats, restore coral reefs, and help them adapt to climate change impacts. We invite fans, businesses, and communities to join us through this initiative as we collaborate across oceans to build a better future for the world’s coral reefs.”
