Lions' kick-off times confirmed

Lions fans can start planning their rugby breakfasts for next June with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirming that all the games will kick-off at 19.10 local time, which will be 08.10 British Summer Time (BST).

The Lions are playing 11 games in all, with three Tests, and the NZRU, after consulting with broadcasters and tour operators, have decided on a standardised kick-off.

This will be the first time a Lions tour has had a uniform tour kick-off and British and Irish fans staying at home will be happy that the times are as convenient as can be expected.

2005 British and Irish Lions Series

All kick-offs 19.10 NZST (07.10 GMT, 08.10 BST)

June:
Saturday 4: Bay of Plenty v Lions, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Wednesday 8: Taranaki v Lions, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Saturday 11: NZ Maori v Lions, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.
Wednesday 15: Wellington v Lions, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Saturday 18: Otago v Lions, Carisbrook, Dunedin.
Tuesday 21: Southland v Lions, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill.
Saturday 25: All Blacks v Lions, Jade Stadium, Christchurch.
Tuesday 28: Manawatu v Lions, Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North.

July:
Saturday 2: All Blacks v Lions, Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Tuesday 5: Auckland v Lions, Eden Park, Auckland.
Saturday 9: All Blacks v Lions, Eden Park, Auckland.