Official Lions welcome to be in Rotorua

Rotorua has been selected to host the country's official welcome to the Lions rugby team.

The squad of about 70 players is set to be welcomed to New Zealand in a ceremony that includes a powhiri at Rotorua's Tamatekapua Marae followed by a street parade through the city centre.

The ceremony is scheduled for May 29 -- six days before the first game of the series in which the Lions take on the Bay of Plenty Steamers at Rotorua's International Stadium.

Initial plans indicate officials and media are likely to be welcomed to Ohinemutu's Tamatekapua meeting house mid-morning before a combined Te Arawa kapa haka group welcomes the team around lunchtime.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)