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British and Irish Lions: Australia boss hits back in player release row

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has responded to the Lions after their warning saying that he is contractually obligated to release Test players for the Lions' warm-up games.

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THE VIEW FROM DOWN UNDER

Aussie view: Without Owen Farrell, there is no fear factor in this Lions squad

Andy Farrell has named a largely predictable and dependable British & Irish Lions squad, save for the omission of son, Owen. But it is one that won't scare the Wallabies, Sam Bruce writes.

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Schmidt has done an Eddie, he's just sticking around to see it unfold

In backing youth over experience, Joe Schmidt has taken a leaf out of Eddie Jones' book. He just won't fly the coup if it all goes awry.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

British and Irish Lions rugby tour of Australia: What to know

The British & Irish Lions head Down Under this summer before taking on the Wallabies in a three-Test series. Here's everything you need to know.

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LIONS THROWBACK

When the Lions ended their 16-year losing streak vs. Australia

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When the British and Irish Lions beat World Champion South Africa

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RUGBY

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD

British & Irish Lions: Henry Pollock's incredible rise to Lions bolter

Henry Pollock's name garnered the the loudest cheer when he was named in the British & Irish Lions squad on Thursday. So who is the 20-year-old back-row descired as a "pest" by Maro Itoje.

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British & Irish Lions: ESPN's Tom Hamilton's deep dive into Andy Farrell's squad

ESPN rugby writer Tom Hamilton analyses Andy Farrell's British & Irish Lions squad.

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD

British & Irish Lions watch: ESPN writers select their starting XVs for Australia tour

The British and Irish Lions squad will be announced on Thursday, but who should make the starting XV? ESPN's Tom Hamilton and James Regan weigh in.

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