Joe Schmidt rejects Lions’ demands to release Australia stars for tour games

Schmidt has said he will ring-fence a core of 25 players for the warm-up game against Fiji on July 6 to ensure they avoid injury.

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt says it would be “counterproductive” for his stars to double up for franchise and country. Pic: Rick Rycroft/AP

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has hit back at the British and Irish Lions over their warning he is contractually obliged to release his stars to their Super Rugby franchises throughout the tour.

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley on Monday called for all Wallabies to be allowed to represent the Western Force, Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies in the build-up to the Test series, stating their involvement is part of the tour agreement.