B&I Lions get full monty in NZ
The New Zealand Rugby Union have revealed a packed 10-match programme for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour, including three Tests between the Lions and All Blacks.
In addition to the internationals, the Lions will play all five of New Zealand's Super Rugby teams, the Maori All Blacks and a composite Provincial XV.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said the tour was set to generate more demand than the Lions' last trip in 2005, when 20,000 travelling fans created a boisterous atmosphere and injected an estimated NZ$135 million (US$90 million) into the economy.
"The series in New Zealand will be a huge occasion, featuring the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and providing almost six weeks of incredible rugby," he said.
The Lions tour every four years, with the event rotated between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, where they overcame the Wallabies 2-1 in 2013.
They lost 0-3 when last in New Zealand in 2005, with the defining moment a spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll early in the first Test that forced the Irishman out of the tour.
Overall, New Zealand have won 27 Tests and the Lions six since the tours began in 1888, with the visitors achieving their only series win in 1971.
NZRU also revealed it will host Wales in June next year for a three-Test series against the All Blacks.
Along with the Lions tour, the NZRU unveiled an unprecedented schedule of 20 matches over two years.
Eight cities throughout New Zealand have been confirmed to host the matches following an open tender process.
British & Irish Lions kick off in Whangarei on 3 June 2017.
"The British & Irish Lions Tour is one of those very special events for any rugby fan and we all remember how the 2005 series captivated this country," Tew said.
"The 2017 Series is likely to be one of the most significant sporting events our country has hosted since World Cup 2011 and perhaps the biggest New Zealand will host for some time.
"The Series will feature matches throughout New Zealand and in addition to 10 All Blacks Tests in 2016 and 2017, there'll be enormous opportunity for the whole country to not only enjoy quality international rugby, but to also share in the economic benefits that the matches present.
"Over the last few years New Zealand has shown we can successfully host some of the biggest events in international sport and provide visitors with a unique and welcoming experience."
John Feehan, Chief Executive of the British & Irish Lions said: "There is a rich history between the Lions and New Zealand which dates back to our very first tour in 1888.
"That first tour helped establish the template for the Lions and it is exciting that 2017 will see the Lions return to New Zealand as part of the next chapter in this great story.
"The Lions 2017 Series will see the best of the best from our four great rugby nations unite as one to play 10 matches in New Zealand, a series that will once again be the highlight of the 2017 global sporting calendar.
"It is with great anticipation that we look forward to renewing our rivalries and more importantly our unique and great friendship with New Zealand."
The Series opens with a game against a Provincial Union XV side in Whangarei and feature four midweek matches.
Auckland will host two Tests (June 24 and July 8), while Wellington will be the venue for the other Test on July 1.
Matches against New Zealand's Super Rugby sides – the Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Chiefs and Hurricanes – and a fixture against the Maori All Blacks complete the Series schedule.
The Lions match against the Maori All Blacks, which will be played at Rotorua on June 17, reignites a rivalry which has produced classic encounters over the past two tours with a narrow victory for the visitors in 1993 followed by a historic 19-13 win for the Maori All Blacks in 2005 – their first ever over the Lions.
The tour is the 12 by a combined British Isles side to New Zealand. The first was in 1888 and the most recent 10 years ago.
During that time, New Zealand has won 27 Tests to the Lions' six, including a memorable 3-0 series victory in 2005.
The Lions only previous 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.
* All Blacks welcome Wales in 2016
In 2016, the All Blacks will play Wales in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin.
Hamilton will host Argentina and South Africa will play in Christchurch.
Australia will take on the All Blacks in Wellington in the Rugby Championship before returning for the third Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland later in the October.
The 2017 Rugby Championship will feature All Blacks Tests in New Plymouth against Argentina, at Auckland against South Africa and Dunedin will host the Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia.
New Zealand 2016/17 home schedule:
2016
June 11 – All Blacks v Wales, Auckland
June 18 – All Blacks v Wales, Wellington
June 25 – All Blacks v Wales, Dunedin
August 27 – All Blacks v Australia, Wellington
September 10 – All Blacks v Argentina, Hamilton
September 17 – All Blacks v South Africa, Christchurch
October 22 – All Blacks v Australia, Auckland
2017
June 3 – Provincial XV v B&I Lions, Whangarei
June 7 – Blues v B&I Lions, Auckland
June 10 – Crusaders v B&I Lions, Christchurch
June 13 – Highlanders v B&I Lions, Dunedin
June 17 – Maori All Blacks v B&I Lions, Rotorua
June 20 – Chiefs v B&I Lions, Hamilton
June 24 – All Blacks v B&I Lions, Auckland
June 27 – Hurricanes v B&I Lions, Wellington
July 1 – All Blacks v B&I Lions, Wellington
July 8 – All Blacks v B&I Lions, Auckland
August 26 – All Blacks v Australia, Dunedin
September 9 – All Blacks v Argentina, New Plymouth
September 16 – All Blacks v South Africa, Auckland
