London fire tragedy to be marked at Rotorua matches

In training today are the Maori All Blacks. Photo/Stephen Parker

Players in both tomorrow's international rugby clashes in Rotorua will observe a moment's silence before the matches to remember those affected by the deadly London tower blaze.

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed England, the Black Ferns, the British & Irish Lions and the Maori All Blacks will observe a moment's silence before each of tomorrow's matches to remember those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

New Zealand Rugby general manager of the DHL NZ Lions Series, Nigel Cass, said it was important to remember those affected by the fire. This week lives were lost in the fire with officials fearing the death toll could rise to 100.

"It's important that we stand with our rugby friends from the northern hemisphere to pay tribute to those affected by the awful tragedy in London," Cass said.

Meanwhile, preparations are well under way ahead of the historic double-header at the Rotorua International Stadium.

A full stadium of 28,000 fans await the British & Irish Lions and the Maori All Blacks for the eagerly awaited fifth match of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series.

The international rugby action gets under way with the Black Ferns taking on England at 4.15pm in the final match of the Women's International Rugby Series with gates opening at 4pm.

Cass said it was shaping up to be a special time in Rotorua.

"The support from the community in Rotorua and across the Bay of Plenty this week has been immense. The excitement leading up to the Maori All Blacks and British & Irish Lions match, as well as the Black Ferns and England game is fantastic," Mr Cass said.

"Having the region bustling with locals and visiting fans and the stadium packed to capacity for the game will make for a very memorable and unique time."

New Zealand Rugby said the additional activity in Rotorua prior to the match, including a world record attempt to stage the largest ever haka, would profile Rotorua around the world.

"With more than 100 international media in town and a global reach of more than 200 million for the match, it's set to be a great showcase for the city."

Fans are encouraged to head out towards the stadium as early as possible after the Giant Haka as the Australian and Canadian International Women's Rugby teams face off at Smallbone Park at 12.30pm.