Lions to take on Japan in Murrayfield encounter
A Test match between the British and Irish Lions and Japan will be played at BT Murrayfield next summer as a curtain-raiser for the Lions’ tour of South Africa.
The game will provide a much-needed financial boost for Scottish Rugby, which is set to be hit hard by the likely absence of supporters from the autumn Tests.
It is the first time that the sides have met and they will play for the Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup in Ed inburgh on Saturday June 26.
Organisers are confident that fans will be allowed to attend and tickets go on pre-sale on Tuesday November 3, with supporters able to register their interest from today.
The Lions, under head coach Warren G at land, will play a three-test series against the Springboks next summer.
“One of our objectives is to give Warren and the playing squad as much meaningful preparation as possible before departing on tour, so we are delighted to have agreed this fixture,” said Ben Calveley, managing director of the British and Irish Lions.
“A Lions Test is one of the most iconic events in world sport, but a huge number of fans from the Home Nations never get the chance to see one live.
"The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup match will give even more supporters the opportunity to be part of the next chapter in Lions history. It will be an ‘I was there’ moment.”
Murrayfield will be playing host to what is only the third Lions Test match on ‘ home’ soil, following games in Cardiff against Argentina in 2005 and against a Rest of the World XV in 1986.