Lions history and tour facts

* The British and Irish Lions are a combined rugby team made up of the best players from

.

Although officially established in

, Lions sides have been visiting the Southern Hemisphere since

when the first team toured Australia and New Zealand. The first ever game was an 8-3 win over Dunedin.

* Out of a total of 35 Tests played between New Zealand and the Lions, New Zealand has won 26 to the Lions' six with three drawn. The

was in 1971 when the tourists prevailed 2-1, with one drawn Test.

* This will mark the

to New Zealand by the Lions and the first rugby tour to New Zealand in the professional era. The Lions last toured New Zealand in 1993.

* The Lions

started between WW1 and WW2 and was taken from the jersey emblem.

* An estimated

are coming to New Zealand for the tour. The majority of fans will come for the three Tests against the All Blacks.

* An estimated 1000–1500

will be travelling around the country. They will be joined by an estimated 150-180

. A

, the Pacific Sky, has been booked for the tour. It can accommodate around 1200 people.

* The Lions Tour is expected to generate more than $50 million to the New Zealand

.

* The British and Irish Lions team will be coached by England's Rugby World Cup-winning coach

who will bring 44 players and 27 management staff.

* Recent tour results:

Lions 29-13 Australia, Brisbane

Lions 14-35 Australia, Melbourne

Lions 23-29 Australia, Sydney

Australia won series 2-1

Lions 25-16 South Africa, Cape Town

Lions 18-15 South Africa, Durban

Lions 16-35 South Africa, Johannesburg

Lions won series 2-1

Lions 18-20 All Blacks, Christchurch

Lions 20-7 All Blacks, Wellington

Lions 13-30 All Blacks

Auckland

All Blacks won series 2-1