Rotorua Boys' High School part of Lions tour UK promo video

Rotorua Boys High students perform for the camera Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua Boys' High School students will be hitting television screens half way across the world after being filmed for a Sky UK commercial promoting the Lions tour.

Sky Sport UK, who have screening rights to the Lions tour, are travelling New Zealand and filming the haka in 12 "scenarios".

Earlier this week it was the turn of Rotorua Boys' High School's first 15 rugby team and students from Te Whare o Raukura, the Maori department.

Head boy Rehua Selwyn said the opportunity meant a lot to the boys.

"People around the world know the haka because of the All Blacks, it will be great to show where that starts, with high school rugby," he said.

"We are proud to be Maori and now we get to share our culture with the world."

Maori department leader Kimiora Webster said the commercial was an opportunity to share the culture internationally.

"It gives a glimpse of the boys' passion, pride and values we nurture here at Raukura," he said.

The Sky UK film crew record the Rotorua Boys High School haka. Photo/Ben Fraser

Lead creative on the commercial Jacques Salmon said they chose Rotorua Boys' High because they'd heard they were good haka performers.

When asked if they had the chance to fit any fun in on their trip, Mr Salmon said it was all "work work work", quick to add that "this is fun".

"We're here for three weeks in total, filming over four days," he said.

"It's busy."

The 30-second commercial will be seen by about 30 million people around the world.

Producer Steve Ryan said he loved working in New Zealand.

"Very friendly and welcoming people."

Local director James Soloman, from Flying Fish, is directing the project.

"We've worked with Sky UK before," he said.

"The people in Rotorua have been especially welcoming."

The 30-second commercial will not air in New Zealand, but will air in the UK and on YouTube from May 6.