History of the 1888 Cup

The 1888 Cup will see Argentina become the first team to take on The British & Irish Lions in Dublin in an historic occasion.

Four years on from a memorable encounter between the Lions and Japan in Edinburgh, Los Pumas will head to Ireland for the opening fixture of the 2025 Tour.

Ahead of a tantalising tour to Australia, Andy Farrell’s side will play for the 1888 Cup, which was first up for grabs in 2021.

On that occasion, the Lions ran out 28-10 winners against Japan, running in three first-half tries before Tadhg Beirne sealed the victory early in the second half.

That match was played in front of an empty stadium because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but on this occasion, the Sea of Red will be out in force at the Aviva Stadium.

Best known for the huge travelling support, the Lions are evolving by kicking off a second successive Tour with a home encounter, which CEO Ben Calveley believes can be the perfect way to start.

He said: “The opportunity to play in Dublin at Aviva Stadium in front of over 50,000 Lions fans will make for a great occasion and the perfect send-off.

“British & Irish Lions Tours have a rich heritage built over 130 years of touring but alongside our strong history which we are very proud of, it is important that we look for ways in which to evolve our Tours. This pre-Tour fixture is one such example of this and builds on the success of the pre-Tour fixture against Japan at Murrayfield in 2021 which was a resounding success.

“British & Irish Lions fans are a core part of what makes a great Lions Tour. This fixture in Aviva Stadium gives fans who may not be travelling to Australia the opportunity to see the Lions in action which is really important to us.”

For Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell, the match will take place in familiar surroundings, as he takes on the role after his success in charge of Ireland.

Under Farrell, Ireland have won back-to-back Guinness Six Nations titles, and he is now looking forward to an historic match at the Aviva Stadium, 20 years after the Lions last took on Argentina – in a memorable 25-25 draw in Cardiff.

Farrell added: “We can’t wait to welcome the fans to Dublin next summer.

“It will be a historic match against Argentina and the chance for our Sea of Red fans to see the Lions in action on home soil before we begin the Series in Australia.”