The China Mail - Beale to spearhead First Nations and Pasifika side against Lions

The Lions will meet a team of Australians with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage in Melbourne on July 22 as part of their nine-game tour.

First Nations and Pasifika head coach Toutai Kefu, who played 60 times for Australia, said the match would be a career highlight for many.

"To represent the many unique cultures of Australia and the Pacific in the one side is a truly special occasion for rugby," said Kefu, who played against the Lions in 2001.

"I know the players and staff feel a deep sense of honour entering this match against the Lions between the first and second Tests."

The Lions will play three Tests against Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Veteran Beale, 36, who has hit form this season for Western Force after returning from a long-term Achilles injury, brings 95 Tests of experience.

NSW Waratahs' flanker Leota has played 21 times for the Wallabies, most recently at the 2023 World Cup, while Queensland Reds back-row forward Uru featured for Australia twice last year.

ACT Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead and Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble were also among five initial players named, with the rest of the squad yet to be decided.

Kefu will be joined on the First Nations and Pasifika XV coaching panel by Wallabies legends Sekope Kepu and Glen Ella, as well as All Blacks great Tana Umaga.

I.Ko--ThChM