British and Irish Lions announce South Africa tour schedule

Published on 10/04/2008 14:03

THE British and Irish Lions today revealed the itinerary for their tour of South Africa next year.

The Lions will kick off a 10 match tour with a fixture against a Highveld XV on May 30.

The tour will culminate with three tests against the world champion Springboks at Durban on June 20, Pretoria on June 27 and Johannesburg on July 4.

A record number of supporters are expected to join the tour five-week tour.

Lions chairman Andy Irvine said: "We are looking forward to touring such a wonderful country and playing the world champions on their own turf.

"The tour itself promises be full of challenges in a country where rugby is a real passion, but I am confident that the 2009 Lions will acquit themselves well.

"Lions tours are unique events and as such extremely popular. We are expecting tens of thousands of Lions fans to travel."

The Lions have toured South Africa 12 times since their first visit in 1891, winning 16 tests against the Springboks, losing 21 and drawing seven.

The Lions won their last test series in South Africa in 1997 2-1, but have since lost in Australia and New Zealand.

The Lions tour South Africa in 2009 - but we'd like to know which players YOU would pick if the plane was leaving tomorrow. Let us know on the comments thread below.