British medal for an Irish Lion as Wood is honoured

RUGBY greats Jeremy Guscott, Keith Wood, Ian McGeechan and Scott Gibbs were honoured with the presentation of Parliamentary Rugby Medals at a dinner at the House of Commons last night.

The quartet have been recognised for their exploits with the British and Irish Lions.

Former Ireland captain Wood said: "It's the first time since 1997 all four of us have spent any time together. It's great to have your sport recognised by a government even if it's not your own, as in my case."

Meanwhile, almost 22,000 tickets for the British and Irish Lions tour opener against Bay of Plenty next June have been snapped up by New Zealand rugby fans.

The NZRU have made 28,550 tickets for the match at the Rotorua International Stadium available in the public ballot and by yesterday 21,427 tickets had been requested by those registering.

Following the tour opener on June 4 the Lions play Taranaki, New Zealand Maori, Wellington, Otago, Southland, Manawatu and Auckland as well as three Tests against the All Blacks.