The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have revealed a packed 10-match programme for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour, including 3 Tests between the Lions and All Blacks.
In addition to the internationals, the Lions will play all 5 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 6 weeks of incredible rugby,” he said.
The Lions tour every 4 years, with the event rotated between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, where last time out 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 1st Test that forced the Irishman out of the tour.
Overall, New Zealand have won 27 Tests and the Lions 6 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 3-Test series against the All Blacks.
Along with the Lions tour, the NZRU unveiled an unprecedented schedule of 20 matches over 2 years.
8 Cities throughout New Zealand have been confirmed to host the matches following an open tender process.
The British & Irish Lions kick off their tour in Whangarei on 3 June 2017.
“The British & Irish Lions Tour is 1 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 1 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 1st tour in 1888.
“That 1st 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 4 great rugby nations unite as 1 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 4 midweek matches.
Auckland will host 2 Tests (24 June and 8 July 2017), while Wellington will be the venue for the other Test on 1 July 2017.
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 17 June, reignites a rivalry which has produced classic encounters over the past 2 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 1st ever over the Lions.
The tour is the 12th by a combined British Isles side to New Zealand. The 1st was in 1888 and the most recent 10 years ago.
During that time, New Zealand has won 27 Tests to the Lions’ 6, 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.
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 3rd Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland later in 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 / 2017 home schedule:
2016:
- 11 June 2016 – All Blacks vs Wales, Auckland
- 18 June 2016 – All Blacks vs Wales, Wellington
- 25 June 2016 – All Blacks vs Wales, Dunedin
- 27 August 2016 – All Blacks vs Wallabies, Wellington
- 10 September 2016 – All Blacks vs Argentina, Hamilton
- 17 September 2016 – All Blacks vs Springboks, Christchurch
- 22 October 2016 – All Blacks vs Wallabies, Auckland
2017:
- 3 June 2017 – Provincial XV vs B & I Lions, Whangarei
- 7 June 2017 – Blues vs B & I Lions, Auckland
- 10 June 2017 – Crusaders vs B & I Lions, Christchurch
- 13 June 2017 – Highlanders vs B & I Lions, Dunedin
- 17 June 2017 – Maori All Blacks vs B & I Lions, Rotorua
- 20 June 2017 – Chiefs vs B & I Lions, Hamilton
- 24 June 2017 – All Blacks vs B & I Lions, Auckland
- 27 June 2017 – Hurricanes vs B & I Lions, Wellington
- 1 July 2017 – All Blacks vs B & I Lions, Wellington
- 8 July 2017 – All Blacks vs B & I Lions, Auckland
- 26 August 2017 – All Blacks vs Wallabies, Dunedin
- 9 September 2017 – All Blacks vs Argentina, New Plymouth
- 16 September 2017 – All Blacks vs Springboks, Auckland