Fixture & Results
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Venue | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 30 May | Royal XV | 25 v 37 | The Lions | Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace | Read |
| Wed 3 Jun | Golden Lions | 10 v 74 | The Lions | Coca-Cola Park | Read |
| Sat 6 Jun | Cheetahs | 24 v 26 | The Lions | Vodacom Park | Read |
| Wed 10 Jun | Sharks | 3 v 39 | The Lions | The ABSA Stadium | Read |
| Sat 13 Jun | Western Province | 23 v 26 | The Lions | Newlands | Read |
| Tue 16 Jun | Southern Kings | 8 v 20 | The Lions | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium | Read |
| Sat 20 Jun | South Africa | 26 v 21 | The Lions | The ABSA Stadium | Read |
| Tue 23 Jun | Emerging Springboks | 13 v 13 | The Lions | Newlands | Read |
| Sat 27 Jun | South Africa | 28 v 25 | The Lions | Loftus Versfeld | Read |
| Sat 4 Jul | South Africa | 9 v 28 | The Lions | Coca-Cola Park | Read |
Tour Venues
Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace - Rustenburg
Capacity - 38,000 Kick-off: Royal XV - 15:00 local time
The British and Irish Lions kick of their tour against the Royal XV in the Royal Bafokeng Sports Park in Rustenburg. The Stadium was built in 1995 for the Rugby World Cup where teams such as France and Scotland played their Pool Matches.
Coca-Cola Park - Johannesburg
Capacity - 60,000 Kick-off: Golden Lions - 19:10 local time South Africa (3rd Test) - 15:00 local time
The Stadium is home to Super 14 side the Golden Lions. Ellis Park hosted the RWC final in 1995 when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for first time. This is the British and Irish Lions second stop of the tour against the Home side and will also return for the 3rd and final Test Match on the 4th of July 2009.
Vodacom Park - Bloemfontein
Capacity - 48,000 Kick-off: Cheetahs - 15:00 local time
Home to Super 14 side the Cheetahs and Currie Cup side The Free State Cheetahs. Another tough match against Super 14 opposition is expected here as the British and Irish Lions contest their third match of the tour against the Cheetahs. The current capacity is 36,538 but this will be increased to 48,000 in time for the Lions visit.
The ABSA Stadium - Durban
Capacity - 60,000 Kick-off: Sharks - 19:10 local time South Africa (1st Test) - 15:00 local time
The third and final match against a Super 14 side will take place here as the British and Irish Lions take on the Sharks. Used by the Sharks and Currie Cup side The Natal Sharks this stadium will have an increased capacity of 60,000 from 52,000 in time for the tour. The ABSA Stadium will also be the venue for the British and Irish Lions 1st Test Match against the Springboks on the 20 June 2009.
Newlands - Cape Town
Capacity - 51,000 Kick-off: Western Province - 15:00 local time Emerging Springboks - 19:10 local time
Just a week before the 1st Test Match against the Springboks the British and Irish Lions travel to the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, first visited by the Lions on their virgin tour to South Africa in 1981. Now home of Western Province in the Currie Cup and Super 14 side The Stromers. The capitals staduim hosted the opening game of the 1995 Rugby World Cup which saw hosts South Africa beat Australia 27 - 18. This will also host the British and Irish Lions match against the Emerging Springboks on 23rd June 2009 between the 1st and 2nd Tests.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth
Capacity - 50,000 Kick-off: Southern Kings - 15:00 local time
Currently under construction, The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is being built for the Football World Cup in 2010. However it is scheduled to be finished before the British and Irish Lions play the Southern Kings on 16th June 2009.
Loftus Versfeld - Pretoria
Capacity - 45,000 Kick-off: South Africa (2nd Test) - 15:00 local time
Home to Super 14 side The Bulls and Currie Cup Side The Blue Bulls this stadium built in 1923 will host the 2nd British and Irish Lions Test against South Africa on 27th June 2009. This has the potential to be the Tour decider for one team or the other. Whoever comes out on top in the first test will be looking to wrap things up here. Expect the biggest hits and bone crunching tackles in potentially the most exciting match of the tour!!!
