The Lions include the Barbarians in tour for 2013
The British and Irish Lions have announced that they will play the Barbarians in a Test match in Hong Kong prior to their 2013 tour of Australia.
The Test will be the first time the Lions have played the Barbarians and it will also be the first time the Lions have played in Asia.
Chairman of the Barbarians John Spencer said, “We are proud and delighted to be part of such an innovative chapter in the history of the Lions and are already looking forward to the match."
The Barbarians are expected to invite a strong panel of players from various countries, while the Lions will pick the top players in Britain and Ireland for the tour.
The Lions tour occurs every four years and is a unique event in the rugby calendar. The side’s last visit was to South Africa where they lost the series 2-1 in 2009. The Lions last toured Australia in 2001 when they were also defeated 2-1.
Spencer is looking forward to the match and picking some of the world’s top players to play against the Lions.
"To bring two such sides together and be able to create history in Hong Kong is very special indeed, and it will be an incredible occasion and the perfect way to kick off the 2013 Lions Tour," said the Barbarians chairman.
The date for the fixture has yet to be confirmed but the match will take place before the Lions team travel to start their tour of Australia.
The Lions chief executive John Feehan said the match "would ensure the tour to Australia is even more special".
The Lions also announced that former Scottish international Andy Irvine would take over from Gerald Davies who will become the chairman.
The Test will also be seen as a chance to promote the sport in Asia where rugby has grown and increased its fan base.
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