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2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand

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The British & Irish Lions toured New Zealand during June and July 2017. The Lions, a rugby union team selected from players eligible to represent England , Ireland , Scotland or Wales , played ten matches: against all five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises, the NZ Provincial Barbarians , the Māori All Blacks and three test matches against New Zealand .

The test series was drawn 1–1 – one victory each and a draw in the third match. Of the other tour matches, the Lions won four, lost two and drew one.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was head coach of the Lions, having also led the Lions to victory in the 2013 series against Australia . Former Wales captain Sam Warburton was appointed as tour captain, a role he also held on the 2013 tour. The Lions squad voted Jonathan Davies their player of the series. [1]

Lions tour of New Zealand 2017: Fixture schedule, betting odds, TV guide, results, squad details & history

We look back on the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand with all the results, reports, player ratings and contenders to be the 2021 coach.

The British and Irish Lions held back-to-back world champions New Zealand to a Test series draw in a hugely-impressive 2017 tour.

Having squared the three-match Test series at 1-1, the Lions were eyeing only their second ever series success over the All Blacks and the first since 1971 having lost the last four tours there, including an infamous 3-0 mauling back in 2005 under Sir Clive Woodward. 

But although the current crop were unable to enter rugby union immortality under New Zealander Warren Gatland, who led them to a 2-1 success in Australia four years ago, their 15-15 draw in the decider will still go down in folklore.

Here, we look back on the entire series, rate every player, pick out the key moments and assess who will coach the next tour in 2021.

British & Irish Lions Tour guide contents 1. 2017 Tour results & reports 2. Story of the tour 3. Player ratings 4. Coach contenders for 2021 5. Latest news 6. Squad details & pen pics 7. Lions record v New Zealand 8. More Lions tours history, results & stats 9. The global brand of the Lions 

Lions Tour 2017: Results and reports

Click on each scoreline for report and points scorers

Saturday June 3 New Zealand Provincial Barbarians 7-13 Lions Venue: Toll Stadium, Whangarei

Wednesday June 7 Blues 22-16 Lions Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Saturday June 10 Crusaders 3-12 Lions Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Tuesday June 13 Highlanders 23-22 Lions Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Saturday June 17 Maori All Blacks 10-32 Lions Venue: Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

Tuesday June 20 Chiefs 6-34 Lions Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Saturday June 24 FIRST TEST: New Zealand 30-15 Lions Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Tuesday June 27 Hurricanes 31-31 Lions Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Saturday July 1 SECOND TEST: New Zealand 21-24 Lions Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Saturday July 8 THIRD TEST: New Zealand 15-15 Lions Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Story of the tour

Best moment

Sean O'Brien finished one of the all-time great Lions tries, albeit en route to the 30-15 first Test defeat at Eden Park. The Lions might have lost that Test series opener, but the Lions put the All Blacks firmly on alert with a score that will resonate across the ages. Liam Williams scythed clear from his own 22, thanks in no small measure from an astute and subtle blocking line from Ben Te'o. Jonathan Davies picked up the baton from Williams, before exchanging passes with Elliot Daly and then offloading the scoring pass to the lurking O'Brien. Some 80 metres from start to finish, to stun the All Blacks in their Auckland stronghold.

Jonathan Davies: The Wales centre excelled from start to finish, dismissing all his Lions rivals for the 13 shirt, and then making a fine statement across three top performances against the All Blacks. His two big hits on Jordie Barrett in the 15-15 drawn final Test showed everything about his industry and application, to add to no little talent.

Stat of the tour

The Lions only led the All Blacks for a total of three minutes across the entire three-Test series, but still managed to emerge with a one-all draw.

Three players who boosted their reportuation

Jamie George

The England hooker had never started a Test match until the Lions series, but excelled from the off in all three All Blacks encounters. The Saracens star will now be intent on heaping the pressure on England captain Dylan Hartley for the number two starting shirt in boss Eddie Jones' side.

Kyle Sinckler

The Harlequins prop arrived on tour as perhaps the third-choice tighthead - and left as the clear understudy to Ireland's Tadhg Furlong, who is now himself clearly the best number three in the northern hemisphere. Sinckler so often struggles to contain his latent fury and aggression. But if he can control his anger then he now has the chance to push himself to the front of England's queue as Jones' premier tighthead prop.

The Worcester centre was extremely hard done by to be dropped after a fine first Test showing where he completely shut down Sonny Bill Williams.

Three players who endured testing tours

Robbie Henshaw

The Leinster centre was expected to thrive on Lions duty after stunning the All Blacks with a tub-thumping performance when Ireland dispatched New Zealand 40-29 in Chicago last November. But he was simply unable to push himself into Test contention. And then to add insult to his frustrations, Henshaw suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the 31-31 Hurricanes draw which ended his tour prematurely.

George North

The Wales battering-ram wing was the standout star of the Lions' 2013 series win in Australia. But four years on, the Northampton paceman struggled for any kind of form, despite being handed plenty of opportunities to impress. North then suffered a hamstring injury in the Hurricanes draw, and was ruled out of the remainder of the trip.

Jonathan Joseph

England's fleet-footed outside centre was a late inclusion in the Lions squad, when boss Warren Gatland insisted he could not tour without the Bath star. The former London Irish midfielder simply failed to fire however, and was left trailing way behind Jonathan Davies in the race for the Test 13 shirt.

Lions player ratings

LIAM WILLIAMS : Created one of the greatest tries in Lions history when he attacked from deep in the first Test. He also made mistakes, but he is a thrilling counter-attacker. 7 /10

LEIGH HALFPENNY : Unlike in Australia four years ago, was more of a bit-part player this time round. Did not start a Test. 6

STUART HOGG : The Scotsman's tour was ended when he suffered a freak injury during the Crusaders game when team-mate Conor Murray's elbow caught him in the face. 6

ANTHONY WATSON : A wonderfully-elusive runner who was a handful for the New Zealand defence in all three Tests. Exciting to watch. 8

ELLIOT DALY : Enhanced his reputation by breaking into the Test team and starting all three All Blacks clashes. Also kicked a brilliant long-range penalty in the decider. 8

JACK NOWELL : Started the tour slowly, but he had his moments as it progressed. On the bench for second and third Tests. 6

GEORGE NORTH : Failed to make a mark and fell well below the blistering standards of his Lions tour to Australia four years ago. 5

TOMMY SEYMOUR : The Scotland wing showed his try-scoring prowess as a midweek team regular. 6

JARED PAYNE : Hampered by injury and then migraine trouble, meaning he was never able to hit top gear. 6

JONATHAN DAVIES : A magnificent tour in attack and defence. Won the Lions players' player award, and impossible to disagree. Outstanding. 9

JONATHAN JOSEPH : Could not hit the heights that he regularly manages with England. Some strong attacking moments, but also exposed in defence at times. 5

BEN TE'O : The powerful centre did a brilliant job on New Zealand dangerman Sonny Bill Williams in the first Test. Relished the big occasion. 8

ROBBIE HENSHAW : Travelled to New Zealand with his expectation, but things did not materialise, and then he suffered a tour-ending injury in the Hurricanes game. 5

OWEN FARRELL : Won the second Test and drew the third with his nerveless penalty kicking. Rock-solid temperament, although he was sometimes prone to making wrong decisions. 7

JOHNNY SEXTON : The Ireland fly-half worked well with Farrell at inside centre, and gave the Lions options with his game-management skills. 7

DAN BIGGAR : Had to settle for a midweek team role, but the Wales number 10 never let his head drop and provided a strong presence throughout. 7

CONOR MURRAY : Relished his scrum-half battle with New Zealand's Aaron Smith, and arguably shaded it across the Test series. Arguably now the world's premier number nine. 8

RHYS WEBB : Quick and with an eye for a gap, he understudied Murray strongly and was an excellent squad player. 7

GREIG LAIDLAW : Never really got going, and while an important midweek performer, he did not stand out. 5

MAKO VUNIPOLA : The England prop delivered some dominant displays in the tight and loose exchanges. All-action and aggression, he stepped up to the plate. 8

JACK McGRATH : Ireland's young loosehead prop did not put a foot wrong, and looks to have a glittering Test future ahead of him. 7

JOE MARLER : A mainstay of the midweek team, Marler consistently put in a shift as the Lions often had to dig deep. 7

TADHG FURLONG : A scrummaging rock for the Lions, he performed with a maturity beyond his years. Already approaching world-class status. 8

KYLE SINCKLER : The young England forward was over-exuberant at times, yet he also offered a great deal around the field. A rich learning experience. 7

DAN COLE : Like Marler, did not show any outward sign of disappointment at missing out on the Tests, doing his job diligently and professionally. 7

JAMIE GEORGE : Moved from England's reserve hooker to Lions Test team starter. George's career has leapt forward with his performances in New Zealand. 8

KEN OWENS : The Wales hooker found consistent levels throughout the tour when was called upon. Commanded respect. 7

RORY BEST : The most-used player as midweek captain, the Ireland skipper was a motivational presence on and off the pitch. 7

MARO ITOJE : England's 22-year-old lock went up another gear with the Lions. Relished the big occasions and taking on New Zealand's revered forwards. 9

ALUN WYN JONES : Has now played in nine successive Lions Tests, recovering from a shaky performance in the series opener to rediscover top form. 7

COURTNEY LAWES : Bristled with pace, power and aggression, and richly deserved a place in the Test match-day 23 on two occasions. 7

IAIN HENDERSON : Arguably the player most unlucky not to feature in a Test. Terrific work-rate, superb ball-carrier and quality set-piece exponent. 8

GEORGE KRUIS : Started the first Test, but had a poor game and then drifted out of the match-day 23 behind Itoje, Jones and Lawes. 5

SAM WARBURTON : The Welshman's second tour as Lions skipper saw him lead from the front in impressive fashion. Combined quality leadership on and off the pitch with performances to match on it. 8

PETER O'MAHONY : Captained the Lions in the first Test, but then made way for Warburton's return in Wellington. Strong, solid tourist. 7

SEAN O'BRIEN : A dynamic operator was arguably the glue of the Lions Test pack. Uncompromising and physical, he also scored an unforgettable first Test try. 8

CJ STANDER : Had his moments, and was on the bench in Tests two and three. Solid, rather than spectacular. 7

ROSS MORIARTY : His tour ended early through injury, denying him the chance to stake a claim for Test recognition. 5

JAMES HASKELL : Played his part largely on the midweek stage. A character whose infectious enthusiasm was important. 6

JUSTIN TIPURIC : Another Test squad hard luck story. Hardly missed a tackle all tour, delivering admirable consistency. 7

TAULUPE FALETAU : Showcased his ability as a world-class number eight. Just got on with his job, and he did it brilliantly. 8

Coach contenders for 2021

WARREN GATLAND, WALES

Wales head coach Gatland has refused to rule out a third successive tour as Lions boss in 2021. The 53-year-old is on the All Blacks' radar to replace current New Zealand boss Steve Hansen when he retires in 2019. Gatland's Wales contract expires after the 2019 World Cup, and he could now easily be drafted into the All Blacks set-up in due course. The former Wasps and Ireland boss could opt not to chase a role with the All Blacks however. And were he still available for Lions duty in four years, he would clearly boast the experience and acumen to man the helm once more.

EDDIE JONES, ENGLAND

England boss Jones has long since joked he will end up on the beach watching cricket in retirement after the 2019 World Cup. And yet in May Jones admitted he would be keen on the Lions role if he were in the right place at the right time when 2021 comes around. "I am open to everything. I don't sit there at night and think 'I hope I am going to be the next Lions coach'," said Jones in May. "Because it is such a unique job there is no natural progression to it. It is a one-off job which is decided at a certain time. "And if you are in the market and in the right area then you are going to get a call and get a tap on the shoulder. I wouldn't say no but I am not saying yes." Jones will know full well this statement leaves the Lions bosses on alert that he is fully interested in coaching the next tour.

DAI YOUNG, WASPS

Former Wales and Lions prop Young has excelled with Wasps in an upwardly-mobile coaching career that appears destined to take in a Test match stint sooner rather than later. Young ought to be on the radar as a potential replacement for Gatland as Wales boss. The 49-year-old former Cardiff coach appears very settled in the Premiership, and Wasps are certainly continuing to improve under his tutelage. Young understands the Lions' ethos and demands, and has also created a heavily attack-laden Wasps team that would appeal to traditionalists who want to see the famed touring side play with flair and pace.

MARK MCCALL, SARACENS

Former Ulster coach McCall's stunning success with Saracens must not be overlooked in any conversation about Test match-calibre coaches. Whether McCall wants a move into the Test arena remains to be seen. But the 49-year-old has built a stunning club dynasty at Saracens, where a full generation of England stars have blossomed in the same team. The spine of the 2017 Lions had a distinctly Saracens feel to it, and that could well be repeated in four years' time. McCall would certainly know how to set up an effective line-up, and could just add the subtle stardust to make the Lions thrive in South Africa.

GREGOR TOWNSEND, SCOTLAND

The former Lions fly-half has graduated from his coaching stint at Glasgow to lead Scotland. His foray into the Test arena represents a huge hike in challenge. But were Townsend to succeed in the coming years, he would certainly move himself into contention to coach the Lions. The 44-year-old built a Glasgow team in his playing image: fast, fleet-footed and boasting no little brain power on the ball. To thrive in the Test arena he must surely add a grittier edge to the Scotland ranks however. Achieve all that though, and he will merit inclusion in the 2021 Lions coaching chat.

JOE SCHMIDT, IRELAND

Ireland's Kiwi boss excelled with Clermont and Leinster, and has transferred his cerebral and detailed coaching style into the Test arena. Ireland's maiden win over New Zealand in Chicago in November, the 40-29 victory at Soldier Field, proved his credentials once again. Schmidt's Ireland contract expires after the 2019 World Cup, at which point he may well look to return to his native New Zealand. The 51-year-old former schoolteacher's ambition is such that he would surely want to push for the All Blacks job in due course. Whether he could squeeze in a Lions sabbatical en route back to his homeland remains up for debate. But he certainly boasts the CV to be under serious consideration.

Latest Lions tour news & interviews

Gatland hailed as 'best in world'  Warren Gatland has been hailed as the world's best head coach by British and Irish Lions tour manager John Spencer. Click here to read

Draw drama as series ends level  Owen Farrell kicked a penalty two minutes from time as the British and Irish Lions claimed a dramatic 15-15 draw against world New Zealand. Click here to read

Gatland backs rematch Warren Gatland says he would relish a British and Irish Lions rematch with New Zealand at Twickenham in November. Click here to read

Farrell: It's a weird feeling Owen Farrell was left to reflect on the "weird" feeling of a drawn Test series with the Lions against New Zealand. Click here to read

Itoje: Lions experience valuable Maro Itoje has admitted England will tap into the British and Irish Lions' New Zealand experience ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Click here to read

For more news head to our rugby union news page

Lions squad pen pics

Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) Age: 28 Position: Full-back Caps: 71 Verdict: Goalkicking ace and a hero of 2013

Jared Payne (Ireland) Age: 31 Position: Full-back Caps: 20 Verdict: New Zealand-born back will get the chance to prove his worth on home soil

Anthony Watson (England) Age: 23 Position: Wing/full-back Caps: 26 Verdict: Strong aerial threat and a lethal finisher.

Elliot Daly (England) Age: 24 Position: Wing/centre Caps: 13 Verdict: Searing pace and a good eye for the line.

George North (Wales) Age: 25 Position: Wing Caps: 69 Verdict: Bulldozing wing with a proven Lions pedigree.

Liam Williams (Wales) Age: 26 Position: Wing/full-back Caps: 43 Verdict: Will travel to New Zealand as the Lions' form wing.

Jack Nowell (England) Age: 24 Position: Wing Caps: 23 Verdict: A devilish turn of speed with an eye for a try.

Tommy Seymour (Scotland) Age: 28 Position: Wing Caps: 36 Verdict: Glasgow star has the form to do damage in New Zealand.

Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) Age: 23 Position: Centre Caps: 29 Verdict: Powerful carrier who offers options at inside and outside centre.

Jonathan Joseph (England) Age: 26 Position: Centre/wing Caps: 33 Verdict: Lightning-fast runner with dancing feet and robust defender.

Jonathan Davies (Wales) Age: 29 Position: Centre Caps: 64 Verdict: A muscular presence at outside centre and proven Lion.

Ben Te'o (England) Age : 30 Position : Centre Caps : 8 Verdict : Strong carrier who will get the Lions over the gainline.

Owen Farrell (England) Age: 25 Position: Centre/fly-half Caps: 52 Verdict: World-class playmaker and goalkicker who is a Test certainty.

Jonathan Sexton (Ireland) Age: 31 Position: Fly-half Caps: 66 Verdict: Travels to New Zealand as the Lions' conductor-in-chief. Brave, skilful and bright.

Dan Biggar (Wales) Age : 27 Position : Fly-half Caps : 56 Verdict : A dependable playmaker and fierce competitor.

Greig Laidlaw (Scotland) Age: 31 Position: Scrum-half Caps: 58 Verdict: Dependable Scotland skipper summoned to replace Ben Youngs.

Conor Murray (Ireland) Age: 28 Position: Scrum-half Caps: 57 Verdict: Outstanding half-back general whose game management is impeccable.

Rhys Webb (Wales) Age: 28 Position: Scrum-half Caps: 28 Verdict: Rapid and combative scrum-half who emerged as a star of the Six Nations.

Stuart Hogg (Scotland) (Has withdrawn due to injury) Age: 24 Position: Full-back Caps: 53 Verdict: Scotland's attacking catalyst capable of testing any defence

Mako Vunipola (England) Age: 26 Position: Prop Caps: 42 Verdict: Has developed into an outstanding all-round forward. Supremely consistent.

Jack McGrath (Ireland) Age: 27 Position: Prop Caps: 41 Verdict: An integral part of Ireland's success under head coach Joe Schmidt. High work-rate.

Joe Marler (England) Age: 26 Position: Prop Caps: 51 Verdict: Had some disciplinary issues in the past, but a tough, no-nonsense operator.

Dan Cole (England) Age: 30 Position: Prop Caps: 74 Verdict: Involved in all three Tests on the last Lions tour, and is a model of consistency.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) Age: 24 Position: Prop Caps: 16 Verdict: One of Ireland's great discoveries in recent seasons, he is a world-class scrummager.

Kyle Sinckler (England) Age: 24 Position: Prop Caps: 8 Verdict: England's tighthead understudy to Cole, he looks made for Test rugby.

Rory Best (Ireland) Age: 34 Position: Hooker Caps: 104 Verdict: Led Ireland to a famous victory over New Zealand earlier this season, and is vastly experienced.

Ken Owens (Wales) Age: 30 Position: Hooker Caps: 50 Verdict: Waited patiently for his Wales chance, but now among their most consistent performers.

Jamie George (England) Age: 26 Position: Hooker Caps: 17 Verdict: England's back-up to Dylan Hartley, who always makes an impact when he features off the bench.

Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) Age: 31 Position: Lock Caps: 110 Verdict: Captained the Lions to a Test series-clinching win in Australia four years ago, and remains at the peak of his powers.

Maro Itoje (England) Age: 22 Position: Lock Caps: 12 Verdict: 2016 European player of the year who has made a rapid rise through the ranks.

Courtney Laws (England) Age: 28 Position: Lock Caps: 58 Verdict: Has hit peak form this season. A tough, uncompromising player with skills to match.

George Kruis (England) Age: 27 Position: Lock Caps: 20 Verdict: Experienced an injury-hit season, but a brilliant lineout operator and tactician.

Iain Henderson (Ireland) Age: 25 Position: Lock Caps: 32 Verdict: A tough competitor who has performed well for club and country.

CJ Stander (Ireland) Age: 27 Position: Flanker Caps: 15 Verdict: South Africa-born forward who qualified for Ireland on residency, he has looked a natural at Test level.

Peter O'Mahony (Ireland) Age: 27 Position: Flanker Caps: 40 Verdict: Has an ability to sway games his team's way. Fearless and tireless performer.

Sean O'Brien (Ireland) Age: 30 Position: Flanker Caps: 49 Verdict: Had his share of injuries, but few better operators than the Leinster forward when in peak form.

Sam Warburton (Wales) Age: 28 Position: Flanker Caps: 74 Verdict: Reprising his role as captain having led the 2013 tour win in Australia, he has gone from strength to strength.

Justin Tipuric (Wales) Age: 27 Position: Flanker Caps: 51 Verdict: Quick, elusive, highly-skilled and effective at the breakdown. What is there not to like?

James Haskell (England) Age: 32 Position: Flanker Caps: 75 Verdict: A belated, and long-awaited, Lions call after Billy Vunipola's injury. Will give his all.

Ross Moriarty (Wales) Age: 23 Position: Flanker/number eight Caps: 17 Verdict: A surprise inclusion but the rookie has all the ingredients to succeed.

Taulupe Faletau (Wales) Age: 26 Position: Number eight Caps: 66 Verdict: The complete package. Powerful, quick and a brilliant ball-carrier, one of the best back-row players around.

British & Irish Lions Record v New Zealand

The Lions have lost their last four series with New Zealand, winning just two Tests and losing 12 since the famous triumphant tour of 1971.

Overall they have played 38 Tests against the All Blacks, winning six, losing 29, with three draws.

Here we take a brief look at all their past tours here...

1904 : The teams' first meeting resulted in victory for New Zealand in Wellington.

1908 : The Lions lost 2-0, with one game drawn.

1930 : It was another miserable experience for the Lions, losing the series 3-1.

1950 : No victories for the Lions this time around, as they suffered three defeats and claimed one draw.

1959 : New Zealand claimed a 3-1 series triumph.

1966 : The Lions' first series whitewash against New Zealand - a 4-0 drubbing.

1971 : The Carwyn James-coached Lions made history, claiming the series 2-1 and drawing one Test.

1977 : Normal service resumed as the Lions lost the Test series 3-1.

1983 : A second whitewash in New Zealand, with the All Blacks cruising home 4-0.

1993 : A hard-fought series ended with the Lions losing the Tests 2-1.

2005 : A 3-0 drubbing in New Zealand as Clive Woodward's Lions were mauled.

2017 Lions Tour: Factors & Talking Points

FIVE FACTORS

1. A record not to shout about

If the Lions' history of Test matches against New Zealand could be compared to a boxing bout, then the referee would have stopped it long ago. The Lions' 2017 excursion is their 12th New Zealand trip, stretching back 109 years, but in 38 Tests spanning that period, they have won just six, drawn three and lost 29. On three separate occasions - 1966, 1983 and 2005 - they suffered series whitewashes, so the challenge is an enormous one.

2. Storming the forces at Eden Park

Auckland's rugby citadel has proved a remarkable venue for the All Blacks in recent times. They are unbeaten there for 37 Tests since France toppled them in July, 1994, and the Lions meet New Zealand twice there in three games this time around. The 23-year unbeaten record has seen New Zealand defeat the likes of Australia, South Africa, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Lions.

3. Rekindling the spirit of 1971

Although the Lions have visited New Zealand on 12 separate occasions, only once have they returned with a Test series triumph, and that was 46 years ago. On that occasion, the Lions took a squad of 33 players, played 26 games - winning 23, drawing one and losing two. This time around, the Lions will have 41 players for 10 games, and while top-flight rugby union is unrecognisable now from 1971 in terms of its physical demands, the current Lions are sure to be inspired by their predecessors.

4. Leading from the front

When it comes to captains and leadership qualities, the Lions are not lacking, with Wales' immediate past skipper Sam Warburton and current leader Alun Wyn Jones both in the squad, together with present Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw and Ireland skipper Rory Best. Warburton also leads the Lions for a second successive tour - only England's 2003 World Cup-winning talisman Martin Johnson has previously done that - so head coach Warren Gatland has considerable amounts of experience to call upon.

5. Family matters

It is likely to be a real family affair for Warren Gatland in the tour opener on June 3, as the Lions' Provincial Barbarians squad includes his son Bryn. Gatland junior, 22, is a quality fly-half prospect, playing for North Harbour and being part of the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise the Blues. A prolific points scorer, he continues to make an impression and could easily line up for the Barbarians against Gatland's Lions.

FIVE TALKING POINTS

1. How will the Lions play against New Zealand

There is a school of thought that the best way to take on world champions New Zealand is to attack them, not sit back, absorb pressure and then hope to strike. There are others who feel that trying to beat the All Blacks playing a similar brand to their all-singing, all-dancing style will only end one way - in defeat. In truth, the Lions are likely to require a combination of styles in their game-plans as they target a first Test series triumph against New Zealand since 1971.

2. How well prepared will the Lions be

Even though the tour comes at the end of a long northern hemisphere season, as a squad, the Lions have had little time to prepare. And even training camps in Wales and Ireland during the past fortnight had restricted attendance due to playing commitments in domestic and European play-offs, so head coach Warren Gatland and his team have had no time to waste. Lions tours are all about the Tests, though, and the Lions are likely to field a powerful, well-rehearsed Test team, starting in Auckland on June 24.

3. How strong will the Lions' non-Test opponents be?

Very, is the answer. While the tour opener against a New Zealand Provincial Barbarians XV should be straightforward, the degree of difficulty soon increases. New Zealand's Super Rugby sides - the Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Chiefs and Hurricanes - are all on their agenda, in addition to the Maori All Blacks. In terms of preparation for the Test series, it could hardly be a tougher build-up, but the Lions may well prefer it that way with the All Blacks looming.

4. How big a toll on the Lions will injuries take?

The Lions will hope for the best, but it is not likely to be plain-sailing. A 41-man squad will head to New Zealand, but the possible injury toll based on recent experience could see them lose six to 10 players by the time things draw to a close in July. If replacements are required, though, it will help geographically and logistically that Wales are on tour in New Zealand and Samoa next month, while Scotland are in Australia, so reinforcements would not be too far away.

5. Will the Lions win the Test series?

Unlikely. They have only done it once before in New Zealand, and that was 46 years ago, while two of the three Tests are at Eden Park, Auckland, where the All Blacks have not lost since France toppled them in 1994. Everything is stacked against the Lions, and the first Test is absolutely huge - if they win that one, it is game on. If they lose it, then a 3-0 series whitewash beckons.

Lions History: Memorable tours, matches and records

In this comprehensive section, we take a look at all the Lions tours, results and records against every nation while we also pick out a selection of memorable Tests and series to discuss.

Lions Tours: At-a-glance Test series results

1888 - No Tests played on the tour to New Zealand and Australia 1891 - South Africa 0-3 Lions 1898 - South Africa 1-3 Lions 1899 - Australia 1-3 Lions 1903 - South Africa 1-0 Lions 1904 - Australia 0-3 Lions, New Zealand 1-0 Lions 1908 - New Zealand 2-1 Lions (1 drawn) 1910 - South Africa 2-1 Lions, Argentina 0-1 Lions 1924 - South Africa 3-0 Lions (1 drawn) 1927 - Argentina 0-4 Lions 1930 - New Zealand 3-1 Lions, Australia 1-0 Lions 1936 - Argentina 0-1 Lions 1938 - South Africa 2-1 Lions 1950 - New Zealand 3-0 Lions (1 drawn), Australia 0-2 Lions 1955 - South Africa 2-2 Lions 1959 - New Zealand 3-1 Lions, Australia 0-2 Lions 1962 - South Africa 3-0 Lions 1966 - New Zealand 4-0 Lions, Australia 0-2 Lions 1968 - South Africa 3-0 Lions (1 drawn) 1971 - New Zealand 1-2 Lions (1 drawn) 1974 - South Africa 0-3 Lions (1 drawn) 1977 - New Zealand 3-1 Lions 1980 - South Africa 3-1 Lions 1983 - New Zealand 4-0 Lions 1989 - Australia 1-2 Lions 1993 - New Zealand 2-1 Lions 1997 - South Africa 1-2 Lions 2001 - Australia 2-1 Lions 2005 - New Zealand 3-0 Lions 2009 - South Africa 2-1 Lions 2013 - Australia 1-2 Lions

Lions: At-a-glance all-time Tour & Test records

v Argentina: Tours 3, Series won 3 v Australia: Tours 9, Series won 7, Series lost 2 v New Zealand: Tours 11, Series won 1, Series lost 10 v South Africa: Tours 13, Series won 4, Series lost 8, Series drawn 1

v Argentina: P 7 W 6 L 0 D 1 F 236 A 31 v Australia: P 23 W 17 L 6 D 0 F 414 A 248 v New Zealand: P 38 W 6 L 29 D 3 F 345 A 634 v South Africa: P 46 W 17 L 23 D 6 F 470 A 546

Three famous Lions tours to remember

1971 - New Zealand 1-2 Lions (1 drawn Test)

Still the only Lions to win a Test series in New Zealand, coach Carwyn James forged arguably the tourists' greatest-ever outfit. Welshman James had never coached his national side, but his innovation proved the backbone of a dogged 2-1 Test series victory. John Dawes became the gritty captain to spearhead the Test assault, surrounded on all sides by a host of Welsh wizards. Barry John posted a record 188 points in a single tour, while Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies, JPR Williams and more combined in devastating fashion to stun the favourites and hosts.

1974 - South Africa 0-3 Lions (1 drawn Test)

The Invincibles won 21 of 22 matches, only drawing the fourth Test with the series already in the bag. The '99' call will forever remain bludgeoned into rugby folklore as the Lions' collective response to rough housing home tactics. Refusing to be intimidated, captain Willie John McBride devised the call of '99', upon which all Lions players would flood into retaliation en masse. The ruse worked, with the Lions progressing to win every provincial clash while taking the Test series 3-0.

1997 - South Africa 1-2 Lions

The fly-on-the-wall 'Living with the Lions' documentary has imprinted the 1997 tour into a generation of rugby fans' subconscious. Not only did the Lions win a brutal Test series 2-1, with Jerry Guscott's drop-goal sealing the pivotal 18-15 victory in the second encounter, but the tourists' video diaries lifted the lid on a glorious last hurrah for and long goodbye to rugby union's amateur era. Taskmaster coach Jim Telfer's 'Everest' speech has been riffed too many times to avoid hackneyed status now - but hear the original, and wait for the goosebumps to rise. The blueprint - attainable or otherwise - for modern-era Lions success.

Five memorable Lions matches

South Africa 22 Lions 23 (first Test, Johannesburg, August 6, 1955)

Considered by many to be the greatest match involving the Lions, launching a Test series against the Springboks that is also regarded as among the most entertaining. The match saw nine tries with the lead changing hands four times. The Lions played virtually the entire second half with 14 men, while South Africa missed a conversion with the last kick of the game that would have won them the match.

New Zealand 3 Lions 13 (third Test, Wellington, July 31, 1971)

The third Test completed the Lions' only series victory against the All Blacks. The tourists scored all their points in the first quarter before closing out the Test, which was played in blustery conditions, in ruthless fashion. Welsh greats Gerald Davies and Barry John scored tries as the Lions established an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

South Africa 9, Lions 28 (second Test, Pretoria, June 22, 1974)

A golden era for the Lions continued when Willie John McBride's tourists thrashed the Springboks 3-0 in the series, with the second Test proving the highlight. South Africa were outscored 5-0 on the try count and were taken apart in a manner rarely seen. Wales wing JJ Williams scored five tries, while half-backs Gareth Edwards and Phil Bennett were in inspired form.

South Africa 15, Lions 18 (second Test, Durban, June 28 1997)

Expectations were minimal when the 1997 Lions, led by Martin Johnson, arrived in South Africa for a series no one believed they could win. A 25-16 victory in the first Test defied all expectations, but better was to come a week later when the Lions' heroic defence kept the dominant Springboks in check. Neil Jenkins kicked all five of his penalties but the winning points were delivered by Jeremy Guscott's famous drop-goal.

South Africa 28, Lions 25 (second Test, Pretoria, June 27, 2009)

The Lions' only defeat on this list and a result that condemned them to a series loss, but there have been few more brutal Test matches packed full of controversy and courage. Two minutes into injury time Morne Steyn kicked a long-range penalty to win the game, but what preceded that was a game of rare intensity with the Lions leading until the 76th minute. Injuries to Adam Jones and Brian O'Driscoll shifted the balance towards South Africa.

Lions tours in numbers

1 - Test series the Lions have won in New Zealand, in 1971.

188 - Barry John's all-time record points total on that tour, in 17 games.

6-29 - the Lions' win-loss record against the All Blacks in their history.

1888 - the year of the first ever Lions tour, to Australia and New Zealand. The tourists won their first game 8-3 and went on to win 27 of 35 games on the tour.

3-0 - the first Test series, in South Africa in 1891, brought a whitewash win for the touring side - backed by the Rugby Football Union and initially under the banner of the English Rugby Football Team, but retrospectively recognised as the British Isles due to the inclusion of several Scottish players.

807 - players capped by the Lions prior to this year's tour, from Jack Anderton in 1888 to Tom Court in 2013. There are 26 first-time tourists in this year's squad, following Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw's call-up to replace Ben Youngs.

41-16 - the scoreline in the deciding Test as the Lions sealed a 2-1 series win over Australia on their most recent tour in 2013.

21 - Leigh Halfpenny's points tally in that match is a Lions record, as is his total of 49 in the three-Test series.

41 - the number of players chosen by head coach Warren Gatland for this summer's tour.

15/12/11/3 - the touring squad contains 15 English, 12 Welsh, 11 Irish and three Scottish players after Laidlaw replaced England's Youngs.

3 - Wales pair Leigh Halfpenny and Alun Wyn Jones will this summer feature on their third Lions tour.

64 - items of kit, gymwear and formal clothing distributed to Lions squad members for this year's tour. Wales hooker Ken Owens joked: "It's more than I have got in my wardrobe. I've got my clothes sorted for the next 10 years."

How the Lions became a global 'brand'

The British and Irish Lions' demanding 2017 New Zealand tour will kick off later this week next week as confirmation of just how big the brand has become.

The Lions is not just about a collection of the best rugby players in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It has become a huge commercial entity in its own right.

People cannot get enough of the Lions, whether it has been in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, and there appears no sign of that feelgood factor diminishing any time soon.

Their current status, though, is all a far cry from when the Lions first set sail as rugby tourists in 1888 on a private enterprise trip to Australia and New Zealand.

No Test matches were played on that tour, but there was still a 35-game schedule to be tackled, including 19 matches when the Lions played a form of Australian Rules football, and the 1891 South Africa tour was the first officially-sanctioned Lions trip.

South Africa played a key role during the Lions' development years, welcoming them again in 1896, and by the time Australia was revisited in 1899 the tourists were a genuine mix of representatives from all four home unions.

It proved a memorable trip, with the Lions winning three out of four Tests and even playing additional games in Hawaii and Canada on their way home. They were now established in global terms, and further successes against Australia followed, although New Zealand had emerged as their toughest opponents.

Such was New Zealand's status as a growing force that the 1908 tour saw more games being staged in that country than Australia, and the All Blacks delivered a standard by which the Lions found themselves judged.

Trips to South Africa and Argentina followed in 1924 and 1927, respectively, before New Zealand again showcased their power by beating the 1930 Lions in three successive Tests, while Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury also toppled the tourists.

After the Second World War, Irishman Jack Kyle - he remains the youngest captain in Lions history - led the tourists Down Under, where only six defeats from 29 starts were experienced in Australia and New Zealand. The highlight result was arguably a 9-9 draw against the All Blacks, who once again claimed three Test wins.

Robin Thompson's 1955 squad in South Africa suffered just five defeats in 25 games, drawing a gripping four-game Test series, and four years later in Australia and New Zealand another marathon trip produced only six losses from 35 starts, although three of those were against the All Blacks.

The 1950s will rightly be remembered as a sparkling decade for the Lions, but they could not build on that in 1962, losing three Tests against South Africa, or in 1966, when they came unstuck against New Zealand, and back to South Africa two years later, where another 3-0 series defeat ensued.

But it was the 1971 trip - captained by John Dawes and coached by his fellow Welshman Carwyn James - that lifted the Lions to new heights and will be remembered as their most famous tour of all.

A squad built around Wales' dream teams of the 1970s - players like Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Gerald Davies and JPR Williams - secured a series win against the All Blacks - 2-1, with one draw - raising the bar for future tourists.

And the 1974 squad to South Africa, skippered by Irish lock Willie John McBride, gathered the baton brilliantly, going through a 22-game tour unbeaten, and it would have been a 4-0 Test series triumph had a controversial refereeing decision not helped the Springboks secure a draw in the final match.

Welshman Phil Bennett was at the helm when the Lions returned to New Zealand in 1977, but despite losing only one fixture outside of the Tests, the All Blacks avenged 1971 through winning three Tests and suffering a solitary defeat.

It was a similar story away from the Tests three years later, losing three times to South Africa, but winning 15 other games, and in 1983 a four-match Test series whitewash was the miserable return from another trip to All Black country.

By the time coach Ian McGeechan led the Lions to Australia in 1989, Test series success was long overdue, but they delivered. It was a short trip - just 12 games - and the Wallabies were downed 2-1.

The 1993 tour of New Zealand was the Lions' final excursion before rugby union's professional era began two years later. They lost the series 2-1, but then gained a 2-1, 1997 triumph in South Africa.

The Springboks were world champions and the Lions were given little hope, but they won in Cape Town and then - thanks to Neil Jenkins' prodigious goalkicking and a Jeremy Guscott drop-goal - in Durban against all odds to secure Test series glory a game early.

Tours to Australia (2001) and New Zealand (2005) saw the Lions gain a total of just one win from six Tests, and eight years ago in South Africa they also went down, losing 2-1 but arguably playing better rugby than their Springbok hosts.

Overdue success, though,, came on the Warren Gatland-coached 2013 trip to Australia and a 2-1 Test series triumph against the Wallabies.

Gatland and 2013 tour captain Sam Warburton now return for more in New Zealand. Will the result be the same?

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• The History
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• New Zealand 2017
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• Sat 3 Jun Prov XV Lions 7 13
• Wed 7 Jun Blues Lions 22 16
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• Sat 17 Jun Maori ABs Lions 10 32
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Gregor Townsend Named British & Irish Lions Coach

• British & Irish Lions 2021 Fixtures Announced

New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15

New zealand 21 british & irish lions 24.

• Hurricanes 31 British & Irish Lions 31
• New Zealand 30 British & Irish Lions 15
• Chiefs 6 British & Irish Lions 34
• Maori All Blacks 10 British & Irish Lions 32
• Highlanders 23 British & Irish Lions 22
• Stuart Hogg Out Of Lions Tour

Gregor Townsend Named British & Irish Lions Coach

Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has been named as the Attack Coach for the British & Irish Lions Tour of South...

The South Africa 2021 Tour Fixtures Announced

The British & Irish Lions have announced the fixture for the tour to South Africa in 2021, with the notable venue...

The British & Irish Lions earned a creditable 15-15 draw with New Zealand in Auckland in a fantastic contest at Eden...

The British & Irish Lions levelled the 2017 Series win a famous 21-24 comeback win against the World Champion All Blacks...

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Next up... the Maori. Don't miss it

Fair to say it's not been the perfect day for the Lions.

First they lost Scottish full-back Stuart Hogg for the remainder of the tour to a facial injury sustained at the weekend.

And that was followed by their second defeat on tour as a revved-up Highlanders team came from behind to win a cracking game 23-22 in Dunedin.

The good news is... the Lions scored some tries. Three to be precise, meaning they a) out-scored the hosts try-wise and b) now have five on tour.

Next up, the New Zealand Maori, who beat the Lions in 2005. They are a very good side - can the Lions take them down?

Join us from 07:30 on Saturday to find out. Until then, make sure you show the same passion and desire that saw the Landers to victory. It's the only way to live...

Post update

Former Lions and England winger

The Highlanders' All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo produced another reminder of the threat to be expected in the Test matches. He was by far the best player on the pitch and looked hungry, powerful and dangerous, and come up with a lovely finish for his try.

All games are big in New Zealand and for the locals this win will be huge. It is a bitter blow not to back up one good win with another. Saturday offers a new opportunity in the form of the New Zealand Maori but of course a stiffer challenge.

'They care for each other'

Highlanders 23-22 British and Irish Lions

England number eight Billy Vunipola - missing from the tour through injury - sees a little of the Saracens' brothers-in-arms spirit about the Lions.

Chris Jones

BBC 5 live rugby union reporter at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Plenty of positive things for the Lions, but just as many - if not more - concerns for Warren Gatland. Discipline is an issue while too often the Lions coughed up the ball in key areas. The scrum disintegrated at the wrong time as the replacements struggled to make an impact. Gatland's press conference about to start - all the news coming up on BBC Sport.

Ugo Monye is answering your questions and giving his thoughts on BBC Sport Facebook.

Get involved.

Get Involved

Chris Hill: I'm not having Warren Gatland, just seems so limited as a coach a reliant on power rugby. Could be embarrassing against ABs

Alfredo Furmanek: Lions not competing for the high ball due to risk of penalties and sinbins. Fine margins will be key on this tour

John Sadler: southern hemisphere refereeing puts Lions at a huge disadvantage IMO - totally different interpretation at scrum and breakdown

'The players are learning'

Lions coach Warren Gatland speaking to Sky Sports: "We gave away a line-out for their try after having cleared our lines. We know we need to better in those moments to make sure we don't compound our errors. We were inaccurate at times, they kicked the ball quite smartly to put us under pressure. The players are learning that it is about playing for 80 minutes and being in the moment.

"We always said that coming to New Zealand was going to be tough against the Super Rugby sides. They are the best rugby nation in the world."

The game in review

Ross Harries

Scrum V presenter at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Another epic game. Another heart-breaking defeat. The Highlanders play at a frenetic pace, and during the opening quarter, had the Lions scrambling. Waisake Naholo was a constant menace before crossing for the opening try. But Jonathan Joseph showed his credentials in response, his pace and footwork taking him over the line. Ten-all the half time score.

It was the Lions who struck first after the break, Tommy Seymour showing his predatory instincts with a perfectly timed interception. But the Highlanders showed they could go the direct route when they needed to, hooker Liam Coltman barrelling over from a driving line-out that took them within two points, before Marty Banks nudged them ahead with a penalty. The Lions had a chance to win it in injury time, but Jonathan Joseph spilled the ball in contact.

Was Dan Biggar your Man of the Match?

... because ex-Lions and Wales flanker Martyn Williams is of that opinion.

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The Lions' game is starting to look more rounded and all the hard work attack coach Rob Howley has been putting in with the players is starting to pay dividends.

It was an impressive return for Sam Warburton. He played 68 minutes on his return from injury, which he'll be pleased about, and responded well to a great showing from Sean O'Brien on Saturday. He looked busy in defence and capped off his return with a try early in the second half.

It was a more cohesive Lions performance this morning - there were not too many stand-out players but it was a good team performance. Frustrations will be the loss obviously.

This tour is all about winning, but ultimately it is a tour that will be defined by the Test series itself. However, the amount of individual errors in defence is a concern - there were far too many missed tackles, which prevented the type of continuous pressure with line-speed the Lions produced aganst the Crusaders.

But discipline, the set-piece and three tries will put will put smiles on the coaches faces.

Head over to BBC Sport's Facebook page for a live chat with Ugo about the game.

Ugo Monye live on BBC Facebook

Go, go, go!

Former Lions player Ugo Monye is LIVE taking your questions after the Lions’ narrow defeat by the Highlanders. What did you make of the match? And what about two defeats in four matches for Warren Gatland’s team? Send him your questions now.

Daniel Lewis: I know this is really defeatist but I just can't see the Lions beating New Zealand.

Facebook live with Ugo Monye

Where now for the Lions?

Ugo Monye is ready to answer your questions live on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

A brilliant game played in a wonderful spirit at a fast tempo. The Lions were unable to build on the momentum from Saturday's impressive win against the Crusaders. The boys will be hurting and most definitely frustrated after having played well for large parts of the game.

But on a tour as unrelenting as this one the Lions will have to dust themselves down and pick themselves up as the New Zealand Maoris are on the horizon - that is the real unofficial fourth Test.

Lions captain Sam Warburton speaking to Sky Sports: "For one reason or another the penalties got up into double figures. It was a game where it was going to be thrown around a bit more, but our first and second arrivals on the breakdown were a little late.

"We scored a couple of tries, we looked good when we were direct. We are looking forward to the challenge of the New Zealand Maori on Saturday."

Lions 'must sort out aerial battle' - Devereux

1989 Lions centre John Devereux is unimpressed by how the Lions are dealing with high kicks.

Andrew Priestley: The Lions couldn't match the Highlanders' high-intensity game for the full 80 mins. They ran completely out of steam after 65 mins

Lions suffer second tour defeat

A second tour defeat from four matches. The Lions are feeling the pain on this trip around New Zealand.

Jonathan Joseph spills forward as he takes a crash ball up into the teeth of the Highlanders' defence.

It is hoofed dead and the hosts' celebrations are loud and proud.

A Highlanders back swats the ball forward, knocking on deliberately.

Owen Farrell kicks the penalty up to the Highlanders 22m.

This is it...

The 2017 British & Irish Lions played 10 matches on their tour of New Zealand – including three Test matches against the All Blacks.

On their first tour to New Zealand since 2005, the next generation of Lions began their tour on Saturday 3 June against a PU Team at the Toll Stadium, Whangarei.

In total, they played seven mid week matches on Tuesdays and Wednesdays against all of New Zealand’s Super XV teams – the Blues, Crusaders, Highlands, Chiefs and Hurricanes.

The Lions, who were coached by Warren Gatland to a 2-1 series win over Australia in 2013, had six games before the first Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday 24 June. They then faced the Hurricanes before the final two Test matches on Saturday 1 July at the Westpac Stadium, Wellington before the series decider back in Auckland on Saturday 8 July.

The Lions will also travelled to Dunedin, Christchurch and Hamilton.

Royal London to grand £3 to British and Irish Lions teams ahead of women’s tour

R oyal London has announced a £3m ‘Levelling the Playing Field’ fund that will aid the British and Irish Lions in investing in elite women’s player and coach pathways.

The deal comes ahead of the first ever Women’s Lions tour to New Zealand, which is scheduled for 2027.

The grant will support all four unions despite England’s rugby dominance, with each union having a plan for the use of their cash funding.

Ireland will use the funds for pathways projects while England will use them for their player development groups.

Scotland are set to recruit new coaches with their funding while Wales will also add to their pathway coaching. 

Ben Calveley, chief of the British and Irish Lions, said: “Supporting the growth of the women’s game is a key strategic priority for The British and Irish Lions as it is for each of our constituent Unions.

“Royal London’s ‘Levelling the Playing Field’ grant represents a significant investment into the women’s game in the four Unions and will make a positive impact on women’s rugby.

“Royal London are an outstanding partner to The British and Irish Lions and a consistent advocate both for the Lions Women’s Tour and for the women’s game. We look forward to working closely with them over the coming years as we build towards this historic Tour in 2027.”

British and Irish Lions levelling up

Susie Logan, group chief marketing officer at Royal London, said: “Our aim as the Founding Partner of the Women’s Lions Team is to play an integral part in levelling the playing field for women’s rugby.

“The ‘Levelling the Playing Field’ grants we are announcing today further demonstrate our commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring we’re able to support the development of women’s rugby at all levels.

 “It’s been incredibly important to us that all Unions are actively involved and empowered to develop their own plans, ensuring optimal use of the funding across each nation.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our work in partnership with the Unions to ensure it makes a difference for the current and future generations.”

Official 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour Packages Now on Sale

Rugby fans will today have the opportunity to join the greatest touring adventure of them all when official ticket, travel and accommodation packages for the British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand in 2017 go on sale today. [more]

Rugby fans will today have the opportunity to join the greatest touring adventure of them all when official ticket, travel and accommodation packages for the British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand in 2017 go on sale today.

The Lions' own official travel company will be providing a range of official supporter tours, starting from £2,999pp.

Official Lions Supporter Tours are available now!   This tour is anticipated to be the biggest Lions Tour ever when the best players from the four home unions of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales join together for six weeks to take on the reigning double World Champions.   The Lions have only ever won once in New Zealand – in 1971 – and will play three Test matches in Auckland (twice) and Wellington, as well as seven other provincial and representative matches between June 3 and July 8, 2017.   Lions Rugby Travel’s ticket and travel packages make it as easy as possible for fans to combine securing their place on the Tour with many added extras, such as meeting Lions legends, access to the Lions squad with the chance to explore New Zealand and its most iconic sites.   Charlie McEwen, the British & Irish Lions Chief Operating Officer, said: “There is nothing like a Lions Tour – they are quite simply the pinnacle for a player and also for the fans who come together once every four years under this one banner.   “By travelling with British & Irish Lions Supporter Tours we will provide an unbeatable tour experience. We anticipate we will be over-subscribed so we urge fans to book early to make sure they don’t miss out.”   Interest in the tour has been huge, with indications that more supporters will travel than ever before following their 2013 series win over Australia.   With more than 30 ticket and travel packages on offer fans can choose different match combinations taking in different parts of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, as well as different styles of accommodation, activities and even the option to tour New Zealand by motorhome.   In addition, there are a host of exclusive benefits included such as access to official supporter villages on match days, eve of Test matches events, team training and on-Tour special events hosted by former Lions legends.   Tour packages start from £2,999 for a flight and ticket package, combining all three Tests  against the All Blacks at Eden Park (1st and 3rd Tests) and Westpac Stadium (3rd Test). Price includes return flights from London-Auckland.   Highlights of Lions Rugby Travel’s Tour Packages now on offer to fans are detailed below, with all available to view/ book at www.lionsrugby.com/tours or by calling 0344 788 4070.   Four package options from Lions Rugby Travel:   Three Test Tour Staying in Auckland From £5,999pp (18 nights from 21 June- 11 July 2017) to see all three Test matches against New Zealand at Eden Park and Westpac Stadium, including New Zealand v Lions on 24 June, 01 July and 8 July.    Sure to be amongst the most popular packages on offer, this 18-night tour combines the Tour’s three Tests against the mighty All Blacks themselves with the chance to explore two of New Zealand’s greatest cities; Wellington (via day-return flight) and Auckland. Three exclusive pre-match events, hosted by Lions Legends, are included alongside access to the iconic Lions Supporter Villages.   Three Test Tour including Wellington Provincial and Rotorua From £6,999pp (18 nights from 20 June- 10 July 2017) to see the Lions take on the All Blacks in all three Tests and provincial game against The Hurricanes at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on 27 June, as well as a three-day visit to Rotorua.   Combine all three Lions vs New Zealand test games with the chance to see the Lions test themselves against Wellington’s own Hurricanes team, heading to the beautiful natural hot springs of Rotorua in between. Rotorua translates as 'second lake' and is surrounded by magnificent native and exotic forests, offering many adventure activities – mountain biking, trout fishing, bathing in natural hot pools, white water rafting and air adventures.   Three Test Tour Including Queenstown and Fiji From £8,449pp (17 nights from 20 June- 09 July 2017) to see all three Lions Tests against New Zealand, combining these with a four-day stay in Queenstown and four day trip to Fiji, staying in the luxurious Sofitel Fiji, resort and spa.   Fans keen to explore what New Zealand and the spectacular South Pacific has to offer need look no further than this 17 night tour, combining all three Tests with the chance to spend time in both Queenstown and Fiji; one of the Pacific’s most beautiful archipelagos, and a real Rugby nation to boot. With several nights’ spent at the Sofitel Queenstown and Sofitel Fiji in between games and all flights taken care of, fans have plenty of time to explore New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown and Fiji’s spectacular beaches, safe in the comfort of a luxurious base to return to.   All tour packages (excluding flight & ticket and motorhome packages) include the following:   Return flights from UK to New Zealand Return transfers from the airport to the hotel Accommodation on a twin/double share basis (single room supplements apply) Internal travel between destinations Exclusive British & Irish Lions Official Merchandise Pack including official replica Lions Shirt Exclusive match day events Official match tickets for the relevant games within the package Experienced representatives will be based in New Zealand supporting clients throughout the Tour Exclusive Access to the Lions Supporter Villages (Test Match venues only)   Tour information and background   The British & Irish Lions have been touring to the Southern Hemisphere since 1888, with the forthcoming tour to New Zealand beginning on Saturday 3rd June 2017. The key fixtures of the 2017 Tour are:   Lions vs New Zealand- Saturday 24 June 2017, Eden Park Auckland Lions vs New Zealand- Saturday 1st July 2017, Westpac Stadium Wellington Lions vs New Zealand- Saturday 8th July 2017, Eden Park Auckland

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Detroit Lions Uniform Wishlist

The Lions will be unveiling new-look uniforms Thursday.

• Author: Vito Chirco

In this story:

The city of Detroit and its football fans are abuzz, and not just because the NFL Draft is set to take center stage downtown next Thursday - Saturday (April 25-27). 

Instead, it's also due to the fact that the Lions will be donning new uniforms this upcoming season (and for the first time since 2017).

The updated jerseys will be unveiled Thursday at 7 p.m., as part of an event for season-ticket holders at Ford Field .

There has been speculation aplenty about what the new unis will look like since it was announced by team president Rod Wood , in late March, that the organization would be debuting a fresh look in 2024. 

At the very least, Detroit's jerseys will continue to feature the team's traditional – and well-liked – “Honolulu Blue” and silver color combo.

"I think our goal was to honor the past – we have great colors, we have great history – but also put a modern twist on it," Wood told attendees of the Detroit Economic Club's NFL Draft panel last Thursday. "So, I think when you see them, you'll see both of those things. And, you'll see, hopefully, uniforms that propel us for at least the next five years to be one of the great uniforms in the NFL. And, we're never going to change them dramatically, but there's always an opportunity to modernize them and I think people will see that.”

Now, when it comes to what I'd like to see with the new unis, I feel that I'm aligned with the sentiments expressed above by Wood.

For starters, I'll admit that I've never been hugely focused on (or worried about) a pro team's uniform design – which I understand contrasts with the typical sports fan.

For instance, I love the Detroit Tigers ’ “Old English D” home uniform, which has basically stayed the same since the first days of the organization. I appreciate the simplicity and tradition with those unis. 

Sticking with that theme, I'm like Wood , in the sense that I'd like to see the Lions stay true to their “Honolulu Blue” and silver color scheme with their new jerseys. I think that fans and pundits both dig that look, so I hope the Lions don't sway from it (nor do I think they will). 

As a side point, I really don't think the Lions and Nike will mess up these jerseys, as Fanatics has done with Major League Baseball's jerseys. No offense, MLB.

With all that said, I have one suggestion in mind: The Lions should add one of their popular slogans – whether it be “One Pride” or “All Grit” – to the inside of the jersey collar. I think that would be a nice, subtle addition to the franchise's unis.

Personally, I'd insert “All Grit” onto the jerseys. It epitomizes the new, winning culture that has been established in Detroit , via the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.

These aren't your grandfather's Lions, a team that was mired in mediocrity – and mostly irrelevancy – for decades and decades. These are the “Brand New Lions” – a team that possesses a never-say-never attitude, plus is built on grit and toughness and ultimately winning. And, I believe the “All Grit” catchphrase perfectly captures that essence.

The Lions could go in a variety of different directions with their new-look uniforms, so it's hard to predict what they exactly will do. However, I'll guarantee one thing: Just as has been true with the Lions on the field the past year, they won't disappoint when they roll out their updated jerseys Thursday night.

Ready for our close-up pic.twitter.com/xdTyWlM6pb — Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 16, 2024

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Hot-hitting Amed Rosario went 2-for-4 with a triple, Ryan Pepiot fired six strong innings and the Tampa Bay Rays managed a split of their four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, beating them 2-1 Thursday afternoon in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Australia bring in former Lion to strengthen line-out before 2025 tour

Plus: Why Parling gaining southern hemisphere experience could be England’s gain in the future

Geoff Parling, the former England second-row and set-piece expert, has been confirmed as Australia’s new line-out coach.

Parling, 40, has been based in Australia since joining the Melbourne Rebels as a player in 2018, and previously worked as a Wallabies assistant coach under Dave Rennie in 2020.

He will now go up against England head coach Steve Borthwick later this year, another line-out guru, when the Wallabies face England at Twickenham on November 9. The pair did not overlap as England team-mates, with Borthwick’s last cap coming in the 2010 Six Nations and Parling making his debut in 2012.

Part of the British and Irish Lions series win over Australia in 2013, Parling is currently the Melbourne Rebels forwards coach and has been an assistant for six seasons. He won 29 caps for England, while his final game in English rugby came in the 2017 Premiership final with Exeter Chiefs, defeating Wasps in extra time.

Parling will link up with Joe Schmidt, the former Ireland head coach who took over from Eddie Jones following last year’s Rugby World Cup.

“I spoke to Joe a couple times when he came to the Rebels. I heard a lot of good things about Joe in the past so I’m really excited to work with him on the coaching team,” Parling said. “He’s very level-headed, consistently sees the game and preps well. I think he’s good on basics and getting the fundamentals right. Once you get those, a little bit of brilliance will come.

“I’m pretty familiar with the majority of players that will come in from either coaching or coaching against them regularly. I feel like the little bits of differences we have in Super Rugby teams can be well put together and aligned, we can have a great force as a forward pack at the Wallabies.”

Schmidt said of Parling: “Geoff has spent more than 20 years, playing and coaching in the professional game. His understanding of the line-out, along with his Super Rugby knowledge, and previous experience with the Wallabies will add value to our coaching group.”

Parling’s Australia stint could be England’s future gain

When Exeter brought Geoff Parling to Devon nearly a decade ago, Rob Baxter said that the club were signing more than just a player. They wanted his influence on the club’s young guns, identifying Parling as the kind of character who could improve the team on the field and help bring along many players off it. During those two years with Exeter he also spent time working with Taunton Titans, a future of coaching very much on his mind.

Which is all a long way of saying Thursday’s announcement confirming that Parling has been appointed to a Test coaching staff comes as no surprise. From the moment he left Exeter in the best possible circumstances after winning the club’s first Premiership title, Parling has been on a journey to learn and develop into a top coach, playing briefly in Japan before settling for the past six years in Melbourne with the Rebels as both a set-piece and forwards coach.

Steve Borthwick would no doubt approve. A stint abroad coaching Test rugby with Japan under Eddie Jones marked the start of Borthwick’s next career, before returning to coach England with Jones after the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Borthwick never coached against England during his stint with the Brave Blossoms but Parling certainly will, returning to Twickenham in the autumn, the same venue where he was part of England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup defeat to Australia. A reunion with the Lions next year is also fascinating, given Parling started the final two Tests on the 2013 tour alongside Alun Wyn Jones against the Wallabies.

The hope of course is that England will eventually benefit from a young coach learning his trade overseas at a high level and eventually returning to offer that expertise to either a Gallagher Premiership club or the national team, just as New Zealand, South Africa and Australia have done over the past two decades by sending coaches to the north.

Parling in his introductory video noted the influence on his career of Mike Cron, the scrum guru who worked for a long time with the All Blacks, with Parling contacting Cron while he was still a player and asking if Cron would mentor him as he moved into coaching. Now the two are part of the same backroom staff, joined by another wise head in Laurie Fisher. Alongside analyst Eoin Toolan, the group under a smart hand in Joe Schmidt have been tasked with reviving the Wallabies following their disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign.

Further down the road the table is set for a fascinating line-out duel between Parling and Borthwick in the autumn, two line-out gurus pitting their wits against each other looking for the upper hand.

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Deion Sanders, Ryan Day among college football coaches facing the most pressure to win entering 2024 season

From title contenders to rebuilders, these coaches are under major pressure to produce results.

As college football continues to undergo dramatic changes, the pressure on coaches to win has reached unparalleled levels. With the transfer portal and immediate eligibility, every fanbase feels like they're only one class away from reaching the top. Fail to win, and fans can quickly turn. 

Only one year ago, Auburn fired coach Bryan Harsin after 21 games. At Harsin's previous stop, Boise State canned Andy Avalos 10 games into his third season ... and the Broncos ended up winning the Mountain West title. Perhaps the headliner, Texas A&M raised more than $75 million to rid themselves of Jimbo Fisher. Without good seasons, many of the coaches on this list could soon be next. 

To be clear, not all of these coaches are on the proverbial hot seat; a handful have zero chance of getting fired in 2024, especially with contract situations. For various unique reasons, though, these coaches will be uniquely under the microscope this fall with the most pressure to win. 

Ryan Day, Ohio State

No one else in college football even comes close to the level of pressure that Day faces in 2024. After hated rival Michigan won its first national championship of the BCS/College Football Playoff era, Day quickly flipped the page to assemble his best roster ever. The Buckeyes landed the No. 1 player in the both the transfer portal (safety Caleb Downs ) and high school (wide receiver Jeremiah Smith), along with senior quarterback Will Howard and a host of other contributors. In every way, Day's Buckeyes are title or bust. Perhaps more importantly, Ohio State needs to beat Michigan. 

Billy Napier, Florida

The first two years of the Napier era have been a mess. The Gators barely made a bowl in Year 1 with a first-round pick (Anthony Richardson) at quarterback and missed the postseason altogether in Year 2. Napier bet hard on the Class of 2024, but some late defections pushed the Gators from the top-five range to No. 14. Napier has also faced intense scrutiny for refusing to give up play-calling duties on offense. 

All the surrounding chaos means that Florida needs to perform on the field in 2024. Napier is 11-14 overall in Gainesville and now faces one of the hardest schedules in college football, which features three nonconference games against in-state opponents from power conferences ( Miami , UCF , Florida State ). Finding a path to success will be brutal. 

Lincoln Riley, USC

While Riley is in little danger of getting fired this year – largely thanks to his exorbitant contract, reportedly worth more than $110 million – the honeymoon period is officially over at USC. Riley is coming off his worst season as a coach right as he turned 40, posting an 8-5 record in 2023 with all five losses coming in his final six Pac-12 games. Riley finally invested in the defense this offseason, stealing UCLA coordinator D'Anton Lynn to headline a stacked group of defensive assistants. At the same time, there aren't obvious playmakers to stock his offense. Adding complication, the Trojans head to the Big Ten in 2024. Any softness in the program will be exposed as USC plays both LSU and Michigan in the first three weeks. 

Kalen DeBoer, Alabama

All DeBoer did at Washington was go 25-3 with a Pac-12 championship and CFP National Championship appearance. And, yet, the first time Alabama loses at home, he will feel the wrath of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Such is life at the premier college football program after replacing the legendary Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide lost several key players from their SEC championship team to the transfer portal, including four of the top six rated players. Getting back to title caliber might take time, and Alabama isn't known for patience. 

Mario Cristobal, Miami

During the 2022 calendar year, Miami paid nearly $23 million to get Cristobal from Oregon to Coral Gables, according to USA Today . That's the largest single-year amount on record for an athletic department employee on a tax form. Needless to say, Cristobal's first two seasons have not amounted to $23 million worth of value. The Hurricanes are 12-13 in two seasons under Cristobal, who is currently the only coach since the Carter Administration with a losing record at The U. Adding frustration, multiple losses have come directly at the hands of poor game management, headlined by a mind-boggling, last-minute loss to Georgia Tech . Miami hit the portal hard, adding dynamic quarterback Cameron Ward to the mix. If the 'Canes can't reach ACC contention -- especially in a rebuilding league next year -- things could quickly unravel. 

Dave Aranda, Baylor

Most expected Aranda gone after a horrendous 3-9 campaign in 2023, the worst season at Baylor since Matt Rhule's 1-11 debut in 2017. Athletic director Mack Rhoades stuck his neck out to keep Aranda in town, but don't expect much leeway. The Bears have revamped their coaching staff and NIL operation to bring in a strong transfer class -- headlined by Toledo QB DeQuan Finn -- but the only results that matter are on the field. Anything short of a return to the postseason and Aranda is likely gone. 

James Franklin, Penn State

The excuse for Penn State has long been that the Nittany Lions' College Football Playoff dreams are stuck behind Michigan and Ohio State. With an expanded 12-team field coming and Michigan rebuilding, however, there's little excuse for Penn State to miss this year's CFP. Adding pressure, the Nittany Lions' prized 2022 recruiting class -- which finished No. 6 in the country, with top prospects at quarterback ( Drew Allar ) and running back (Nick Singleton) -- enters its third season. The top contributors, including Singleton and linebacker Abdul Carter , could be gone after 2024. The time to strike is now. 

Deion Sanders, Colorado

"Coach Prime" took the Buffaloes mainstream during a 3-0 start to 2023, boasting two of the top five, and five of the top 15, most-watched regular-season broadcasts of the year. However, Colorado lost eight of its last nine games and finished last place in the Pac-12. Sanders hit the transfer portal hard, adding 25 transfers alongside No. 1 overall tackle recruit Jordan Seaton, but the Buffs are working against the clock. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter have been the faces of Sanders' revamp at Colorado, and both could leave after the 2024 season for the NFL . If Colorado misses a bowl for the second straight season, the Buffaloes will be starting from scratch in 2025 without proof of concept to sell. 

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The blueprint of how the city of Detroit, Lions secured bid for 2024 NFL draft

The lives of 257 young men soon will change forever when their names are called before the world in the heart of downtown Detroit. 

The Motor City is the home of the 2024 NFL draft, a three-day event from April 25-27 where the 32 NFL teams will add the best football prospects available to their rosters before thousands of fans in attendance and millions more watching on television at home. The NFL draft experience, a party-like atmosphere that accompanies the annual selections, will overtake the downtown streets to highlight the growth and culture of the city.

But putting on the best possible show those three days isn’t the only goal for the folks who planned the draft. There is hope the draft will have an impact in the years to come in Detroit, from hosting other major events, uplifting local businesses and youth sports organizations, and marketing the city to NFL fans coming to Detroit, along with the tens of millions who will tune in on TV. 

The effort to bring the NFL draft to Detroit was a yearslong process involving decision-makers across the city: from the Detroit Lions; all parts of city government, including the mayor’s office; the Detroit Sports Commission; Visit Detroit, the official tourist site for metro Detroit, including Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties; and Rocket in the private sector.

“Thankfully, we kept at it and ultimately won,” Lions president Rod Wood told the Free Press about the draft bid process. “And I'm pretty confident that we're going to put on, if not the best draft, one of the best drafts that's ever been held.”

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

Initial bidding

The NFL draft has been an annual event for the league dating to 1936. For most of the draft’s history, the event was held in hotels in major cities on the East Coast. The event grew in magnitude in the second half of the 20th century, eventually getting moved to multiple locations in New York from 1995-2014 — most notably the Radio City Music Hall — before opening it to other NFL cities, starting in Chicago, in 2015.  

From there, cities could submit bids to the NFL to reel in and host a draft. The invested groups in Detroit immediately got to work forming a bid. 

“As soon as they opened it up for cities to bid, we expressed our interest in bidding on the draft,” Wood said. “At the time, it was starting to grow in popularity and was becoming what it has since become, which is this big, three-day event in the city that's lucky to host it — both for the visitors that come in person, as well as those that watch on TV.”

The team then connected with the city, the Detroit Sports Commission and its advisory board, the Detroit Sports Organizing Corp (DSOC) , Visit Detroit and private companies such as Rocket. 

“The opportunity to host the draft, we felt that we were just as competitive as any other city and we can demonstrate that Detroiters will come out,” Hakim Berry, the former chief operating officer for the city of Detroit who now works for Michigan Medicine while serving as an adviser for DSOC, told the Free Press. 

The groups collaborated to lay out plans and send a Letter of Interest to the NFL in late 2017 to host a draft between 2019 and 2023. Two months after the initial letter, they presented an official bid laying out the plans for a prospective draft in the city. 

Part of the process was sending representatives to other NFL draft cities to see what worked and what didn’t, then to generate ideas on making it a unique experience in Detroit.

“The NFL has told us this all along: Make it your own. Make it Detroit. Make it your city,” Detroit Sports Commission executive director Dave Beachnau told the Free Press. “Don’t try to be Philadelphia (hosted in 2017) or Nashville (2019).”

Multiple location options were presented, including Campus Martius Park, Belle Isle, the renovated Michigan Central Station in Corktown and Ford Field. The plan also included information about financial partners, how to engage the citizens of Detroit and what it would mean to the city to host the draft.

“All of those things play into it,” Wood said. “I think part of the reason we were a little slow to win it was hotel issues downtown, where it would be held versus where we've ultimately decided to host it. And I think other cities, candidly, probably got ahead of us and had a little better bid.”

Successful bid

The group submitted a second Letter of Interest in July 2018, and later hosted NFL officials for a Lions game and to scout potential locations. In December of that year, the NFL awarded Las Vegas the 2020 NFL draft. In May 2019, Cleveland was awarded the 2021 draft and Kansas City was awarded the 2023 draft. 

“We ... initially, going as far back as 2018, did not make it into the finals for the first couple of rounds,” Wood said. “(We) did make it into the finals going into 2021 against a couple of other cities and were ultimately selected in 2022 to host the draft here in 2024.”

The NFL visited Detroit in November 2019 to tour the locations, where the decision to host in Campus Martius was recommended. The idea of hosting in downtown Detroit remained a constant because it would differ from previous drafts and maximize engagement with citizens and local businesses.

“The one thing I kept pushing the mayor on is we can't move it out of the urban downtown core,” Mark Hollis, chief operating officer of Rock Entertainment Group, said. “That's the difference maker for us. That's the center of the vibrancy of what Detroit is all about.” 

The group was invited to submit a bid again in December 2019 for the 2022 draft, but the process was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 draft was held virtually, and the NFL slid Las Vegas from 2020 to 2022. The bid process reopened at the end of 2020, and Detroit was invited to bid on the 2024 and 2025 drafts. 

The approved bid for the 2024 draft was submitted on April 9, 2021, to the NFL. The league informed Detroit in December 2021 that it would host. In March 2022, the news became public, the same day it was announced the Lions would appear in that season’s "Hard Knocks" on HBO . 

“It's very competitive,” Wood said. “I mean, there were other really dynamic cities that were bidding against us, including Green Bay, who has next year. And their draft is going to be at the foot of Lambeau Field, which is obviously an iconic location for the entire NFL and the history of the league. So, to win it ahead of Green Bay was a coup for the city.”

Selling points

The submission to the NFL became more detailed until it was approved. One of those details was determining the actual draft footprint in downtown Detroit, which was designed to start at a center point and then stretch into all directions, which was referred to as “spokes of a wheel” by the Sports Commission — which is the same way the city is laid out. Ford Field underwent renovations to potentially prepare and Belle Isle was considered, but the appeal of downtown was overwhelming. 

“We are making this Detroit and dropping it in the middle of the Central Business District of our community, which brings with it benefits and challenges,” Sports Commission Deputy Director Marty Dobek told the Free Press. “But at the same time, it's the gathering place. That's kind of the phrase that comes along with Campus Martius Park, it's Detroit's gathering place.”

The bid stressed how the draft could connect with Detroit residents by being centrally located and having “activation” events through the "On the Clock" tour located at different city parks and neighborhoods in the lead-up to the draft. 

Hollis said a conversation between Dan Gilbert, the founder of Rocket Companies and the Bedrock real estate firm, along with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was another important moment in securing the bid. 

“(Gilbert) met with him in '21, and from my opinion and what the commissioner told me — Commissioner Goodell — is that that one phone call that happened in May of ‘21 was a critical call because it really demonstrated the synergy and the commitment that both the private and the public sector had for bringing the draft to Detroit,” Hollis said.

Other selling points that interested the NFL were Detroit’s location relating to other NFL cities in the Midwest, the colleges within driving distance that regularly stockpile the league with players and the city’s proximity to Canada. 

“I think the location in the heart of downtown was very appealing to them,” Wood said. “The proximity to Canada is an interesting twist, which we've never really had a draft that close to another country, and, obviously, international expansion is on the NFL's mind.” The league already plays regular season games in Europe and Mexico, and is adding a game in South America in the upcoming 2024 season.

Part of the bid was a map showing all of the NFL and college football teams within a five-hour drive and two-hour flight of Detroit, which included dozens of teams, exceeding Kansas City in 2023. 

“When you look last year to Kansas City, there really isn’t a market geographically, I guess Chicago could drive there, but you don’t have that driveable market with NFL cities like we do,” Beachnau said. “So, when we talk about attendance, we think it is going to be strong.”

Detroit's long-term commitment after the draft was another selling point to the NFL. Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission raised $10 million for the event from various partners , while Visit Detroit is spending $2 million, with the NFL contributing as much as seven times that amount to produce the draft. 

Local donors from the community, including companies such as General Motors, Rocket Mortgage, the Pistons, Illitch Companies and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in a group of over 20 contributors, committed $1 million toward an initiative focused on youth literacy and youth sports — particularly girls in sports — while the city is using Detroit-based businesses throughout the draft experience to elevate them and make it possible for them to bid on other sporting events in the future. 

“That was the No. 1 priority,” Berry said. “This could not be a venue that Detroiters were not included in. And that's why it was very important for us to have the On the Clock tours to activate some of our rec centers and have things and make sure that the community feels they are involved and that it's open to them.”

Planning and expected impact

The parties worked in committees to bring the plan to life, with each group represented. Wood said the Lions helped facilitate the relationship with the NFL and gave input on the seven planning committees formed to produce the big event. 

The city ensured the plans could be met on the logistical side, which includes most city departments, from police to the parks department, chipping in. The Sports Commission worked with the city on those efforts as well as helping shape the bid itself. And Bedrock made sure its downtown real estate could be used for different components of the draft. 

“Working with our partners, we ensure that we can live up to the commitment to demonstrate to the entities that we're trying to attract, that Detroit is willing and able to host a large-scale event,” Berry said. 

The goal of hosting the NFL draft is the same for all: showcase Detroit’s economic growth in the last decade, highlight the city's culture for a national audience and include Detroit residents as much as possible. 

The hope is the draft will not only produce a local economic bump in the tens of millions during the three days, but stick with people all over the country to come and visit again in the future. 

“As we continue to shape the image and perception of Detroit; to have 50 or 60 million eyeballs on our city for three days, I mean, we can't afford that kind of advertising that the broadcast brings,” Beachnau said. 

Officials are optimistic about the draft going well and hope it serves as yet another opportunity, like previously hosting the NCAA tournament did, for Detroit to show it can host big events without a hitch and elevate them. Wood mentioned it possibly helping bring events like the NFL Combine to Detroit in the future if it moves, while saying a Super Bowl is unlikely because the NFL wants it in warm weather cities, along with other major sporting events. 

“I think where it will pay off is it bringing other big events,” Wood said. “We've got the Final Four coming in 2027. Hopefully, we can secure maybe the Big Ten football championship in Detroit now that the Big Ten's expanded — we've expressed interest in doing that. I know Little Caesars would desperately love to have an NBA or an NHL All-Star game. But I think once we successfully put on a really big event — and there's not much that's bigger than the NFL draft — it should lead to other big events coming back to the city.”