PM: NZ vigilant for Lions tour after attack in Manchester

WELLINGTON: New Zealand will remain vigilant for security threats around the British and Irish Lions tour in the wake of the terror attack in Manchester but there has been no evidence to suggest a heightened risk of attack, said Prime Minister Bill English.

British police said they believed British-born 22-year-old Salman Abedi carried out the bombing that killed 22 people following a concert by American pop singer Ariana Grande in Manchester on Monday and have raised their threat level to "critical".

The Lions arrive for their 10-match rugby tour next week and, with memories of a similar 2015 attack in Paris that targeted numerous venues including the Stade de France during an international football match, English said officials in New Zealand were being cautious.

"Intelligence agencies are always monitoring for these kinds of attacks," English told reporters at New Zealand's Parliament Buildings yesterday.

"The risks of an attack are monitored constantly, we have a strong focus on public safety.

"There is no evidence of heightened risk of attack in New Zealand or around the Lions tour, but we will remain vigilant."

The Lions begin their tour in Whangarei on June 3 against an invitational Provincial Barbarians selection. The first test against the All Blacks is on June 24 in Auckland before the tour concludes on July 8 with the third test.

WELLINGTON: All Blacks captain Kieran Read has signed a deal to stay in New Zealand rugby through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

No. 8 Read, a double Rugby World Cup champion and 2013 World Player of the Year, has played 97 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2008, 22 as captain.

“I love playing for the All Blacks, love playing alongside my teammates and love the respective cultures, so it was an easy decision for me to recommit to New Zealand Rugby,” said Read. — Agencies