Lions V Barbarians, Hong Kong, 2013

[RugbyFuture]

Lions to play first game in Hong Kong
October 18, 2010 - 9:09PM

PAA

The British and Irish Lions will launch their 2013 rugby tour to Australia with a match in Hong Kong.

The game against the Barbarians will serve as a curtain raiser and will be the first time they have played in the region.

Former Scotland and Lions international Andy Irvine has been appointed tour manager, succeeding Gerald Davies.
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Davies, who performed the role in South Africa last year, has been named Lions chairman.

Lions chief executive John Feehan said: "To be able to confirm today that the Lions will break new ground with their first ever fixture in Hong Kong will ensure the tour to Australia is even more special.

"I'd also like to congratulate Andy and Gerald on their appointments.

"The Lions will benefit hugely from having two highly regarded and respected former Lions at the helm for the tour to Australia."

 

[Lee Grant]

Great idea,

I hope the Barbarians come up with a best of... team and not just a few blow ins.

 

[chief]

Sounds great.

Can't wait to 2013. I really hope they take Melbourne's game to the MCG, rather than Ethiad Stadium. Even if it doesn't sell out the full 100k, it's a once in a 12 year event. Could be further if Argentina get their way.

 

[disco]

Sounds great.

Can't wait to 2013. I really hope they take Melbourne's game to the MCG, rather than Ethiad Stadium. Even if it doesn't sell out the full 100k, it's a once in a 12 year event. Could be further if Argentina get their way.

Yep that's it once every twelve years not many SH players will ever see two Lions tour. I'm probably more excited about this tour than I am the 2011 RWC I can't believe more players aren't signing contracts with this tour in mind.

The only wallaby that has mentioned the Lions tour after putting pen to paper so far has been Benn Robinson.

Has any SH player been involved in two Lions tours?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Is Hong Kong still the Holy Grail?

I have read elsewhere that the Lords of Darkness and the St Leonards Bunker Guardians are very keen to take a BloodySlow Game to Denver in the USA.

Is there more money in taking a showcase game to Honkers or the USA?

I agree with the Chief about the MCG. The Mexicans would sell out the "G" for the World Tiddlywinks Pairs competition.

As an existing Guiness World Record Holder*, there is something special in being part of a 100,000 plus crowd at a Rugby game.

*plus another 108,000 others

 

[Hugh Jarse]

What gives with the British and Irish Lions?

Ireland (Eire) is a separate Sovereign Nation universally recognised by all UN member states.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is similarly a separate Sovereign Nation universally recognised by all UN member states.
Like Australia, both the above Nation States get one vote at the UN.

England, Scotland, and Wales do not exist as Nation states by any accepted convention apart from some inbred jaundiced "The world is still painted pink for the great British Empire" view.

Why then are rugby games against Scotland, Wales, and England given Test status?
Our States within the Commonwealth of Australia have more Self Government that Scotland, Wales and England within the United Kingdom of etc. Who is the Premier of Wales? Who is the Political Leader of Scotland? What is the name of the democratically elected leader of England?
New South Wales (pop 7 million) rugby games are not given Test Match Status, yet somehow old Wales (pop 3 million) is.
Cardiff 400000 pop is the capital of Wales. Sydney 4 million population is NSW capital and has more people within the metropolitan boundaries than the entire "Nation" of Wales.
Scotland ceased being an independent Sovereign State on 1 May 1707. With a population of just over 5 million, the 1707 Acts of Union passed in the Parliament of Scotland on 1 May 1707 effectively saw the end of Scotland as a separate player on the international stage.

All test caps for anyone who has represented England, Scotland or Wales should be revoked. Only British Lions Test Caps should count.:fishing
Ireland: They get to keep their caps. British Lions caps should not count for Irishmen.

 

[DPK]

What gives with the British and Irish Lions?

Ireland (Eire) is a separate Sovereign Nation universally recognised by all UN member states.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is similarly a separate Sovereign Nation universally recognised by all UN member states.
Like Australia, both the above Nation States get one vote at the UN.

England, Scotland, and Wales do not exist as Nation states by any accepted convention apart from some inbred jaundiced "The world is still painted pink for the great British Empire" view.

Why then are rugby games against Scotland, Wales, and England given Test status?
Our States within the Commonwealth of Australia have more Self Government that Scotland, Wales and England within the United Kingdom of etc. Who is the Premier of Wales? Who is the Political Leader of Scotland? What is the name of the democratically elected leader of England?
New South Wales (pop 7 million) rugby games are not given Test Match Status, yet somehow old Wales (pop 3 million) is.
Cardiff 400000 pop is the capital of Wales. Sydney 4 million population is NSW capital and has more people within the metropolitan boundaries than the entire "Nation" of Wales.
Scotland ceased being an independent Sovereign State on 1 May 1707. With a population of just over 5 million, the 1707 Acts of Union passed in the Parliament of Scotland on 1 May 1707 effectively saw the end of Scotland as a separate player on the international stage.

All test caps for anyone who has represented England, Scotland or Wales should be revoked. Only British Lions Test Caps should count.

Yes. And as New Zealand was once a part of New South Wales, we'll have all them pretty achievements thanks very much. :

Hugh, chuck in a smiley for God's sake. You're in the running for rookie of the year, doesn't mean you have to act like one... :fishing

 

[Langthorne]

Hey Hugh - does the phrase "I'll see you Jimmy!" mean anything to you?

 

[stoff]

Sounds great.

Can't wait to 2013. I really hope they take Melbourne's game to the MCG, rather than Ethiad Stadium. Even if it doesn't sell out the full 100k, it's a once in a 12 year event. Could be further if Argentina get their way.

If the sea of red at Etihad for the last lions tour is anything to go by, we could sell out both stadiums at the same time and probably only need about ten locals to show up. Magnificent atmosphere though.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

I'll give the Lions supporters their due. They certainly know how to liven up a venue. No dancing girls, fireworks, laser shows or fancy DJ and sound effects needed on the PA are required to generate atmosphere when the Red Sea is in town for a match.

The challenge for us is to have more of us there than the Red Sea. It is after all supposed to be our home match.

 

[TOCC]

Is Hong Kong still the Holy Grail?

I have read elsewhere that the Lords of Darkness and the St Leonards Bunker Guardians are very keen to take a BloodySlow Game to Denver in the USA.

Is there more money in taking a showcase game to Honkers or the USA?

I agree with the Chief about the MCG. The Mexicans would sell out the "G" for the World Tiddlywinks Pairs competition.

As an existing Guiness World Record Holder*, there is something special in being part of a 100,000 plus crowd at a Rugby game.

*plus another 108,000 others

It's all about timezones, a Bledisloe in America doesn't suit Australian/Kiwi broadcasters, additionally whilst Rugby USA is improving, they are still semi-amateur and lack any real experience in hosting big events, Hong Kong on the other hand hosts the most popular leg of the 7s tournament, and now has experience In hosting 2 Bledisloes, they have corporate partners and the collateral to bid for these type of events.

 

[#1 Tah]

Lions V Barbarians will essentially be a north hemisphere VS South minus french.

 

[DPK]

Lions V Barbarians will essentially be a north hemisphere VS South minus french.

It SHOULD be Lions (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) vs Barbarians (SA, Aus, NZ, Fr and the Argie Bargies)

Then the Pacific Islanders. Then they play the Tahs in Sydney.

 

[DPK]

Is this still happening?

 

[Bardon]

Has any SH player been involved in two Lions tours?

Ricky Flutey comes to mind but that's exceptional circumstances.

 

[Jets]

Is Hong Kong still the Holy Grail?

I think that a Lions v Barbars game will draw more interest in HK that a Bledisloe test. Most of the expats are from the UK and they would love to be part of a Lions game plus its on the way so they might as well stop off in the same time zone and play a game

 

[Ash]

I would rather the Baabaas be from NZ + SA + PI. No need for Aus players, as the Lions will be playing 3 Aus tests plus multiple mid-weeks.

 

[darkhorse]

How many midweeks will Aus get and how many did the saffas get? I am all for this game, but only if its in addition to what the Saffas got. I wouldn't like any of the Super sides to miss out.

There could also be a good opportunity to put together a best of the clubs team, which would be similar to the southern kings team. Play them out of western sydney or whichever area is going to be expanded into next. A one of test would be of immense value if they are really going to expand in 2013 or whenever. I realise that this is really pipe dream stuff, especially with current administration, who regardless of their competency show no tendency to be push the boundaries and innovate.

 

[DPK]

How many midweeks will Aus get and how many did the saffas get? I am all for this game, but only if its in addition to what the Saffas got. I wouldn't like any of the Super sides to miss out.

There could also be a good opportunity to put together a best of the clubs team, which would be similar to the southern kings team. Play them out of western sydney or whichever area is going to be expanded into next. A one of test would be of immense value if they are really going to expand in 2013 or whenever. I realise that this is really pipe dream stuff, especially with current administration, who regardless of their competency show no tendency to be push the boundaries and innovate.

Currie Cup teams played against the BIL, and there were more than 5 if I remember correctly. The BIL also played against the Emerging Springboks. It was a pretty massive tour by todays standards.

 

[Ash]

Normally there's a couple of warm of games, the 3 official tests, and about 2 or 3 mid week games. That's about 7 or more games all up, 3 of which is against the test side, 4 of which are against local sides of some description. One of the NZ midweek games we against the Maori, for instance.