Lions ticket registrations start in NZ tomorrow

5.00pm

Rugby fans wanting to register for the ballot for tickets to the British Lions matches next season can do so online from tomorrow.

About 150,000 tickets will be available to the Lions matches via the ballot, which, apart from hospitality sales, is the only way for the public to get tickets.

"Anticipation is certainly building around the Lions tour and we are expecting there to be a huge demand for tickets," New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said.

He said the best way to register for the tickets was online at the website www.lions.co.nz.

Application forms will also be available at New Zealand Post shops around the country.

The website will go live at 9am tomorrow, but Tew said fans did not need to rush online straight away.

"The registration period is from 1 November to 24 December and the day you register during that period will have absolutely no bearing on your chances in the ballot," he said.

Only people resident in New Zealand will be eligible to enter the ballot.

Those registering will be asked to give their name and contact details, match preference, number of tickets wanted and to indicate a price range they are willing to pay.

Members of New Zealand's rugby community, including season pass holders people living within the boundaries of provincial unions hosting Lions matches will have a higher chance in the ballot through a weighting system.

The ballot will be run in February.

- NZPA