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Lions 2013 Tour Schedule
The touring schedule for the British and Irish Lions has been announced for 2013, with three Tests against Australia as well as a number of additional fixtures.
The Lions tour is always a significant spell in the rugby calendar as England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland come together for a difficult tour against one of the Southern Hemisphere giants.
As well as playing Australia, the Lions will face all five Super 15 teams as well as a New South Wales-Queensland Country team. The tour preparations will kick-off with a game against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Tour manager Andy Irvine explained: For 2013 we had the perfect opportunity to play a match in the developing rugby region of Asia, while at the same time break the long journey from Europe to Australia.
As has become customary we also wanted 10 matches to maximise the essential pre-Test series build up.
The Lions lost a closely fought set of matches the last time they toured Australia in 2001, going down 2-1 in the three match series. There is no doubt they will be after revenge this time around and it is set to be an exciting campaign once again.
Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill said: A Lions Tour is a massive occasion. Behind the World Cup, it is the most high-profile, popular event our game can showcase.
The Lions tour here in 2001 was an extraordinary event and one that provided significant economic benefit to those cities that hosted major matches.
"More than 8,000 Lions supporters came to Australia from the UK and Ireland on official tour packages and many more thousands made their own way here.
"Two years ago in South Africa, there were said to be 40,000 Lions fans that made the trek there to support their team.
The demand for tickets to watch those in a Lions Rugby Jersey is set to be significant once again, with the excitement building now that the schedule has been announced.
Lions chairman Gerald Davies continued the build-up, saying: In 1989 and 2001 both three-Test series went down to the last match.
I am sure that the 2013 series will be just as competitive with the tour reigniting the fierce but respectful rivalry that exists between the two sides.