Overview

• Wallabies coach-elect Les Kiss will guide the Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV, with former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as part of his staff.
• Toutai Kefu, a World Cup-winning Wallabies great, has been named head coach of the inaugural First Nations & Pasifika XV.
• The invitational matches will take place on July 12 at Adelaide Oval and July 22 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, ahead of the Lions' test series against Australia.
• The First Nations & Pasifika XV celebrates the contributions of Indigenous and Pacific Island players to rugby, marking a significant cultural milestone for the sport in Australia.
• These fixtures were organized following the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels and aim to provide critical preparation for the British & Irish Lions and showcase trans-Tasman rugby talent.