Additional match for Lions

The British and Irish Lions will play an additional match against Auckland, the New Zealand Rugby Union have announced.

At the launch for next year’s Lions series at NZRU headquarters in Wellington, NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew revealed the extra match would be played at Eden Park, Auckland on Tuesday July 5.

The game falls between the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday July 2 and the final Test at Eden Park on July 9.

“The Lions were keen to have an additional match against one of the top provincial sides and I am sure Auckland will provide them with a challenging match-up before the third Test,” Tew said.

“This is exciting for Auckland fans as it gives them another chance to see the Lions play.” Auckland have a proud history against international touring sides, including six wins over the Lions.

They are coached by former Northampton and Newcastle forward Pat Lam, who was an assistant coach for Scotland at last year’s World Cup when ex-Lions coach Ian McGeechan was in charge.

The additional match means there will be 11 games in total in what will be the Lions 11th tour to New Zealand. Seven games will be played against provincial sides, one against New Zealand Maori and three Tests against the All Blacks.

The tour kicks off in Rotorua on Saturday June 4 against Bay of Plenty and ends with the third Test against the All Blacks in Auckland on July 9.

Lions tour schedule: June 4: v Bay of Plenty, June 8: v Taranaki, June 11: v New Zealand Maori, June 15: v Wellington, June 18: v Otago, June 21: v Southland, June 25: First Test v New Zealand, June 28: v Manawatu, July 2: Second Test v New Zealand, July 5: v Auckland, July 9: Third Test v New Zealand.