Lions announce 2017 tour schedule

The British and Irish Lions have announced the details of their 2017 tour of New Zealand with seven provincial games and three Tests against the All Blacks.
The tour will kick-off on June 3 against a Provincial Union Team in Whangarei while the Test Series will start on June 24 at Eden Park.
The second, in Wellington, will be on July 1 and the third, back in Auckland, on July 8.
“The British and Irish Lions Tour is one of those very special events for any rugby fan and we all remember how the 2005 Series captivated this country,” said NZRU CEO Steve Tew.
“The 2017 Series is likely to be one of the most significant sporting events our country has hosted since Rugby 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.
“More than 20,000 Lions supporters travelled to New Zealand in 2005, generating more than $135m in benefits – we're confident the 2017 Series will exceed these figures.
“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.
“The Series in New Zealand will be a huge occasion, featuring the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and providing almost six weeks of incredible rugby with matches against our Investec Super Rugby teams, the Maori All Blacks and a Provincial Union XV side.
“As with 2005 we expect demand for tickets to be exceptionally high and we intend to be in a position to confirm ticketing arrangements later this year. Tickets for the Steinlager Series against Wales will go on sale early next year.”
British and Irish Lions Chief Executive John Feehan added: “There is a rich history between the Lions and New Zealand which dates back to our very first tour in 1888. That first 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 NZ Lions 2017 Series will see the best of the best from our four great rugby nations unite as one to play ten 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.”
British and Irish Lions 2017 schedule:
June 3 v Provincial Union Team, Whangarei
June 7 v Blues, Eden Park
June 10 v Crusaders, Christchurch
June 13 v Highlanders, Dunedin
June 17 v Maori All Blacks, Rotorua
June 20 v Chiefs, Hamilton
June 24 v All Blacks, Eden Park
June 27 v Hurricanes, Wellington
July 1 v All Blacks, Wellington
July 8 v All Blacks, Eden Park