news

LIONS ANNOUNCE ITINERARY FOR 2009 TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA

10th April 2008

The British & Irish Lions and the South African Rugby Union have agreed on a programme of ten matches for the 2009 Lions Tour to South Africa.

The much anticipated tour will include three Test matches against the Springboks, with the first Test taking place on Saturday, 20^th June 2009 in Durban.

British & Irish Lions Chairman Andy Irvine said: "We are looking forward to touring such a wonderful country and playing the World champions on their own turf.

The Tour itself promises be full of challenges in a country where rugby is a real passion but I am confident that the 2009 Lions will acquit themselves well.

Lions Tours are unique events and as such extremely popular. We are expecting tens of thousands of Lions fans to travel to South Africa in 2009 and are certain that every one of them will come back with amazing memories."

SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd MD, Jonathan Stones, said: "The Lions Tour will be a massive sporting event, on a par with Rugby World Cup and is expected to be a huge success. We are putting in place an exciting programme and look forward to hosting this unique team.”

The Lions will play matches in seven cities over a period of six weeks, commencing with a game against the Highveld XV in Rustenburg on Saturday, 30 May 2009.

The Tour schedule includes six weekend fixtures and four midweek matches. Apart from the three Test matches, there is also an interesting fixture against the Emerging Springboks on 23 June 2009. This match is sandwiched between the first and second Tests.

The Test matches against the Springboks will take place on 20 June in Durban, in Pretoria on 27 June and in Johannesburg on 4 July.

"It is important to note that two high profile matches have been scheduled in Cape Town, which will allow supporters in that region to see the Lions in action at Newlands" added Stones.

The Lions have toured South Africa on 12 previous occasions, with the first tour to this country taking place in 1891. That historic tour included Test matches at Port Elizabeth, Kimberley and Cape Town.

Sportsworld, appointed as an Official Licensed Operator (OLO) will soon be launching its Lions Tour 2009 brochure and website.

Sportsworld Chief Executive, Chad Lion-Cachet said: “We welcome the news of the Tour dates and are working hard to finalise details for our Lions travel programme. We have an exciting range of tour options to suit the most passionate of Lions fans through to discerning business travellers. I know our clients have been waiting patiently for this news and are looking forward to booking their trips.”

Since 1891 the Lions have won 16 Tests against the Springboks and lost 21, while 7 tests were drawn.

The Itinerary is as follows:

Due to building excitement surrounding this test series and Sportsworld’s official appointment as an OLO, we have created a free priority registration service .

Sportsworld will be offering a range of packages built around a combination of test matches for both the leisure traveller and the corporate client. You will be able to choose from a variety of accommodation and enhance your tour with some additional trips or activities around South Africa.

Core package inclusions (leisure tours):

• Return economy and internal domestic flights
• Bed and breakfast accommodation
• Return airport / hotel transfers
• Return hotel / stadium transfers
• Match tickets
• Dedicated on-site event staff
• Optional standard hospitality package

Core programme inclusions (corporate tours):

• Return business flight
• Bed and breakfast accommodation
• Return airport / hotel transfers
• Return hotel / stadium transfers
• Platinum Hospitality (to include a match ticket)
• Dedicated on-site event staff