Partner Richard Coopey has provided comment in City AM on the legal options open to the British and Irish Lions following their warning to the Australian National Rugby Team that they would be in breach of contract if they fail to release their international players for all tour games involving club rugby teams.

Outlining the Lions’ most likely legal avenue, Richard commented: “Should matters escalate legally, the Lions would likely be eager to obtain the unusual remedy of a mandatory injunction, which would order that the Australian players are released to play. It may be that the mere threat of litigation brings the parties to a compromise, as the Lions would no doubt prefer to battle the Australians on the pitch rather than in the courtroom.

“Ultimately this will depend on the governing law and jurisdiction of the contract, as the Lions’ approach will likely be different under English or Australian law and procedure.

Richard went on to discuss the challenges the Lions face in bringing a legal claim, noting: “If matters were to proceed in England, the Lions may be able to show that the contract does indeed require the release of the relevant players to play in the warm-up matches. The question for the Court would then be how to remedy that breach. However, it may prove challenging for the Lions to show a clear financial loss for which they should be compensated with cash.”

Richard’s comments were published in City AM, both online and in print, 23 June 2025.