THE British Lions will visit Australia in 2001 after the tour is approved by the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Executive Council.
The IRB had originally wanted the Lions to play two tests in both New Zealand and Australia but decided instead to stage three tests in Australia only, with a separate tour of New Zealand in 2005.
“The British and Irish Lions represent the finest in rugby traditions. Now it’s our turn to host one of the legendary teams in rugby folklore,” said Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive John O’Neill.
“The Lions were victorious in South Africa in 1997 and should prove an awesome drawcard in 2001.”
The Lions’ only previous three-test tour to Australia was staged 10 years ago, when the tourists won the second and third tests to win the series 2-1.
Since then they have toured New Zealand in 1993, losing 2-1, and South Africa in 1997, winning 2-1.
The future of the Lions, comprising the leading players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, had been in some doubt but the IRB has cemented their future with a structured 15-year schedule with the Lions to travel to the southern hemisphere two years after each edition of the World Cup.