IT MAY STILL be over 18 months away, but Australian rugby chiefs are already gearing up for the visit of the British and Irish Lions in the summer of 2013.
Full details of the tour were confirmed by the Australian Rugby Union this morning, including dates and venues for the three long-awaited tests between the Lions and the Wallabies.
The 2013 tour marks the Lions’ first trip Down Under since Graham Henry coached the team to a 2-1 series defeat in 2001.
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The first test has been scheduled for 22 June 2013 in Brisbane with the second test taking place in Melbourne a week later.
The third and final test will be played in Sydney on 6 July, marking the end of a four-week blitz which will see the touring side play a total of nine games in six cities.
In addition to the three test matches, the Lions will also take on Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels and a combined NSW-Old Country selection.
A game against the Barbarians in Hong Kong has also been arranged for 1 June.
Australia confirm details for the Lions' return Down Under in 2013
IT MAY STILL be over 18 months away, but Australian rugby chiefs are already gearing up for the visit of the British and Irish Lions in the summer of 2013.
Full details of the tour were confirmed by the Australian Rugby Union this morning, including dates and venues for the three long-awaited tests between the Lions and the Wallabies.
The 2013 tour marks the Lions’ first trip Down Under since Graham Henry coached the team to a 2-1 series defeat in 2001.
The first test has been scheduled for 22 June 2013 in Brisbane with the second test taking place in Melbourne a week later.
The third and final test will be played in Sydney on 6 July, marking the end of a four-week blitz which will see the touring side play a total of nine games in six cities.
In addition to the three test matches, the Lions will also take on Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels and a combined NSW-Old Country selection.
A game against the Barbarians in Hong Kong has also been arranged for 1 June.
“A Lions Tour is a massive occasion,” Australian Rugby CEO John O’Neill said this morning. “Behind the Rugby World Cup it is the most engaging, high-profile and popular event our game can showcase.
“Back in 2001, the feature of the First Test was the seas of Red as the Lions fans dressed en masse in the team’s colours to show their support.
“It was a wonderful time and an unforgettable tour and 2013 promises to be even bigger and better.
Lions Tour of Australia 2013 – Full Schedule
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