The final match between the British & Irish Lions and Australia was halted due to severe storms in Sydney over the weekend. Despite starting in wet conditions, the game was paused after 40 minutes due to inclement weather.
A statement from the British & Irish Lions announced the suspension of play due to a lightning warning in the area. Another update on Twitter confirmed a 30-minute suspension due to a lightning strike near the stadium.
Attendees were advised to seek shelter as bad weather approached, with specific instructions given for different seating areas. Both teams retreated to the changing rooms at Accor Stadium, where a ten-minute warm-up session was scheduled before the game could resume.
During the break, Mark Philp, the matchday manager for Rugby Australia, mentioned the need to monitor the weather conditions and wait for the safety clearance before considering an abandonment.
The interruption came after Lions player James Ryan sustained an injury and was stretchered off the field following a collision with Will Skelton. Ryan was temporarily unconscious but later signaled to the crowd that he was okay.
At the time of the suspension, the Wallabies led 8-0, with Tom Lynagh’s penalty and Dylan Pietsch’s try contributing to their score. Max Jorgensen later scored a try, converted by Ben Donaldson, to further extend the host team’s lead after the game resumed.
