ARU chief executive Bill Pulver announced on Thursday that 25 Test players would be included in a pre-British and Irish Lions tour three-week camp from June 2.

The Brumbies play the Rebels on June 7 at Canberra Stadium.

Depending on injury and form, the Brumbies could lose up to eight players for the camp and they would miss the clash against the Rebels.

But in meetings with Brumbies coach Jake White last month, Pulver said the rules would be flexible to a certain extent if a franchise's play-off hopes were on the line.

The controversial move was expected despite all five Australian franchises opposing Wallabies coach Robbie Deans' wishes at a high-performance meeting late last year.

The Reds, Brumbies and Waratahs were most outspoken as the three-week camp will rob them of their star players for matches.

Pulver said the Wallabies players could be released if their finals hopes were on the line.

''If those Super Rugby matches have significant bearing on the competition standings, and finals spots are at stake, the ARU will take that under serious consideration,'' Pulver said.

''There is no doubt, from an Australian Rugby perspective, that when the Lions come to Australia … the primary objective is for the Wallabies to win the three-Test series, and preparation is crucial.''

with AAP