The Lions’ final Test against Australia has been suspended due to adverse weather, after lightning struck 10km away from the Accor Stadium in western Sydney.
Players exited the field just three minutes into the second half, with the Wallabies leading 8-0 thanks to an early Dylan Pietsch try. The match will be paused for at least 30 minutes, as per World Rugby’s guidance on delays due to lightning.
Their policy states: ‘When the lightning strike is within six miles (9.6km) of the venue, it is recommended that players are removed from the pitch.’
‘Recommendations on best practice also state that it should only be considered safe to return to the field of play a minimum of 30 minutes after the final flash of lightning or clap of thunder has been seen/heard.’
Fans seated closer to the field were also advised to take cover in the concourse to minimise any risk of being affected by the conditions.
A message from inside the stadium read: ‘Bad weather is approaching. Patrons seated between rows 1-19 of the lower seating bowl head to the concourse where it is undercover.
‘Follow instructions of stadium staff. All other patrons please remain seated.’
The incident came after Lions captain Maro Itoje failed a head injury assessment midway through the match and was withdrawn at half‑time.
Dan Sheehan replaced him as skipper, with Ollie Chessum introduced into the starting lineup.
Despite already winning the series, the team entered the match for their chance at history – no Lions side had achieved a Test series 3-0 sweep since 1927.
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