27 Feb 2015

2017 Lions to play Super Rugby sides

1:20 pm on 27 February 2015

The British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017 is likely to include a number of matches against Super Rugby sides.

British and Irish Lions beat Australia 2013

British and Irish Lions beat Australia 2013 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew says they're close to finalising some aspects of the tour and it is expected that the duration will be similar to 2005 when they played 11 games.

In 2005 the tour was in June and July after the Super Rugby competition and the tourists played three Tests, seven provinces and the New Zealand Maori.

In 2017 the Super Rugby competition will pause for the Lions tour.

Tew says because players are still in Super Rugby camps, it would make it difficult for them to play for their provinces.

Tew says they'll combine 2016 and 17 in their approach to allocation of matches as there are a significant number of matches over that time.

He says they have received 14 applications to host matches so far.

Tew hopes to have the details of the Lions tour signed off by May.

In 2013 the British and Irish Lions played all five Australian Super Rugby sides.

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