British Lions confirm 10-match NZ tour next year

11.45am

The British Lions will undertake a 10-match rugby tour of New Zealand next year.

The itinerary for the Lions' first visit to New Zealand since 1993 was released in Wellington today by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The tour will feature three tests against the All Blacks, five matches against NPC first division opponents, one against second division opponents Manawatu and New Zealand Maori.

The tour starts with a match against Bay of Plenty on June 4.

It will be the shortest tour to New Zealand undertaken by the Lions, ending with the third test on July 9.

All five first-division opponents and New Zealand Maori match will be played before the first test, scheduled for Christchurch on June 25.

The other tests are in Wellington and Auckland.

The other pre-test opponents, in order, are Taranaki, New Zealand Maori, Wellington, Otago and Southland.

The game against Manawatu is scheduled for between the first and second tests, with no midweek fixture in the final week of the tour.

Sir Clive Woodward, who coached England to win the World Cup last November, has been confirmed as the British Lions coach next year.

"We expect this to be one of the biggest sporting events the country has ever held," New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive officer Steve Tew said.

"The programme we have put in place reflects that, and should maximise the opportunity for all New Zealanders to see the Lions in action."

British Lions chairman Bill Beaumont said the itinerary would prove a stern test for his side.

"The tour promises to challenge the 2005 Lions from start to finish with a series of difficult assignments but I am absolutely sure that we will rise to that challenge.

"Any Lions tour is a truly unique event in world rugby and I am confident that this tour will be an exceptionally successful and rewarding experience for all involved."

The tour is the 11th by a combined British Isles side to New Zealand. The first was in 1888 and the most recent 11 years ago.

During that time, New Zealand have won 24 tests to the Lions' six, including a 2-1 series victory in 1993 when the All Blacks won the first and third tests in Christchurch and Auckland, respectively, while the tourists prevailed in Wellington.

The Lions' only series victory in New Zealand was achieved in 1971 when a side coached by Welshman Carwyn James prevailed 2-1, with the final test in Auckland drawn.

BRITISH LIONS 2005 ITINERARY

June 4: v Bay of Plenty

June 8: v Taranaki

June 11: v New Zealand Maori

June 15: v Wellington

June 18: v Otago

June 21: v Southland

June 25: v New Zealand, first test, Christchurch

June 28: v Manawatu

July 2: v New Zealand, second test, Wellington

July 9: v New Zealand, third test, Auckland

- NZPA