Lions kicking off in Whangarei

THEY'RE BACK: Whangarei will host the first game of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017. Ian Jones played for North Auckland when the Lions last played in Whangarei in 1993. PHOTO/NORTHERN ADVOCATE ARCHIVE

Beware: the British and Irish Lions are coming.

Whangarei is set to be awash with noise and colour in June 2017 when the city hosts the first game in the British and Irish Lions 10-match tour of the country.

The tour, which includes three tests against the All Blacks, will kick off with a match against a provincial XV at Toll Stadium on June 3, 2017.

Whangarei District Council is investing $250,000 into the game, but expects an economic windfall for the district with several thousand Lions fans expected to follow the team. The Lions last played in Whangarei in 1993, when Northlander and All Black lock Ian Jones played for the North Auckland side.

"I'm so pleased to hear that they're coming back. I think it's well deserved [that] Whangarei's going to be that [host] city; Toll Stadium is a ground that we're proud of," Jones said.

"For a touring side like that to arrive and to get themselves ready, it's just the perfect place."

News of the game has Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai and her councillors beaming.

"Another international event happening right here, and putting us on the international sporting map," Ms Mai said. "It will be televised all over the world - that gives Whangarei international exposure.

"We can expect to see a large number of supporters travelling to our region throughout the tournament, especially from the UK, and we know they are big spenders when they visit us.

"Based on the 2005 tour we can expect between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors to Zealand during the tour. Local businesses and service providers to the stadium will also benefit from the operational spend in hosting the Lions in Whangarei. It's an all-round win for everyone."

Whangarei events manager John Lynch said hosting the game was massive for the district.

"This is a really big deal in the rugby world, especially in New Zealand and the UK. With 10 All Blacks tests being hosted throughout New Zealand during 2016 and 2017, it really will be an incredible two years of rugby, and Whangarei is going to be part of it. Ours is one of only two venues selected outside of the major metropolitans. It's great to know we are right up there with the best when it comes to hosting major international events."

He said a lot of hard work was put into getting the game. "We will be investing about $250,000 in the event, that is $100,000 to New Zealand Rugby, and about $150,000 to be spent in our district on marketing, promotions, installation of temporary seating, all kinds of preparations and services to be provided by our contractors and businesses."

Whangarei District Councillor and long-time rugby official, supporter and former player Phil Halse - who was in the North Auckland squad that faced the Lions in 1977 - was excited by the prospect.

"This is a historic occasion for the district - we've hosted the Lions here seven times, beginning in 1950 and missing only the 2005 series," he said.

- Legendary lock remembers '93 Lions - A16.