Lions to face Japan in rare home match

The Lions have only played two Tests at home since their inaugural tour to New Zealand in 1888

The British and Irish Lions line up at the start of the second test of the 2017 tour to New Zealand.

The British & Irish Lions will play a Test match on home soil for just the third time in their 133-year history next year when they host Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

The touring side made the announcement on Wednesday morning after securing a first meeting with the Brave Blossoms, who as hosts last October reached the 2019 World Cup quarter-final. They will deliver a much-needed challenge for Warren Gatland’s squad ahead of the Lions’ tour to South Africa and three-Test series against the World Cup-winning Springboks.