The British & Irish Lions are reportedly in talks over the potential of staging a match in Qatar in 2025, as the FIFA World Cup host targets a move into rugby.

According to the Daily Mail, Qatar’s rugby federation are eager to capitalise on the country’s successful hosting of football’s World Cup, by bringing major rugby events to the UAE.

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This involves Qatar bidding to host the Lions in a warm-up game ahead of the tour of Australia in 2025. The Lions played a similar game in Hong Kong against the Barbarians prior to their previous visit of Australia in 2013.

Added to that, the Qatar Rugby Federation are also reportedly eager to bid for a regular slot on the World Rugby Sevens Series and the hosting rights for the Sevens World Cup.

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