Bay Steamer Aidan Ross set to tame the Lions

BIG STEP: Steamers prop Aidan Ross will get to play the British and Irish Lions in the tour opener in Whangarei. PHOTO: FILE

Bay of Plenty's Aidan Ross has been named in the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians side to play the opening game of the British and Irish Lions tour on June 3 in Whangarei.

Provincial Barbarians and Bay of Plenty coach Clayton McMillan has named the core of the squad for the series opener, which features an exciting mix of players from 15 different provinces.

All Mitre 10 Cup unions plus Heartland Championship and Meads Cup champions Wanganui are represented.

"It was important to us in selecting this team that it was truly representative of New Zealand," McMillan said.

"It wasn't an easy task, the amount of talent considered is testament to how strong New Zealand rugby is now. We believe we have found a mix of upcoming players and hardened provincial stalwarts to make an exciting team.

"We have picked the base of a team that is capable of playing an entertaining brand of rugby which fits with the BaaBaas tradition of innovation and flair and playing with pure guts and heart."

Of the 19 players named, 13 have previously donned the black jersey for either New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Under-20s or Maori All Blacks.

The remainder of the squad will be confirmed closer to the team's assembly in Whangarei on May 28, as coaches monitor player progress across the country.

Four of the forwards boast Super Rugby experience, as well as exciting Taranaki midfielder Johnny Fa'auli who has made several appearances for the Chiefs in 2017.

It will be a family affair for North Harbour first-five-eighth Bryn Gatland who comes up against a British and Irish Lions side coached by his father Warren Gatland.

Local fans in Whangarei will be able to celebrate Northland players Josh Goodhue and Matt Matich playing at home at Toll Stadium.

Whangarei Deputy Mayor Sharon Morgan said the city was looking forward to adopting the Barbarians as a local team for the week leading into the match.

"Whangarei is excited to host the opening match of the DHL Lions Series and looking forward to supporting the Barbarians in the week leading up to this massive match.

"The atmosphere in the city will be incredible going into the game and even more so on the match day."

Tickets are available from $39 for an adult and $10 for a child from www.nzlionsseries17.com.

Provincial Barbarians team:Forwards:
Aiden Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Tolu Fahamokioa (Wellington)
Sam Anderson-Heather (Otago)
Epalahame Faiva (Waikato)
Marcel Renata (Auckland)
Quinten Strange (Tasman)
Joshua Goodhue (Northland)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Manawatu)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Matthew Matich (Northland)
Peter Rowe (Wanganui)
Backs:
Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)
Jack Stratton (Canterbury)
Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Jonathan Fa'auli (Taranaki)
Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay)
Sevuloni Reece (Waikato)
Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau)
Junior Ngaluafe (Southland)