Lions accept extra tour test

The Lions have accepted an extra match on their tour of New Zealand next year.

The Lions will now play the traditionally strong Auckland provincial side on July 5, in between the second and third tests against the All Blacks.

The extra match will provide Auckland with an exciting rugby week, with the third and final test being played at the same Eden Park venue four days after the provincial game.

"The Lions were keen to have an additional match against one of the top provincial sides and I'm sure Auckland will provide them with a challenging match-up before the third test," New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said.

Auckland are the reigning National Provincial Championship title holders.

Lions chief executive John Feehan believes the fixture against Auckland will provide the touring side with just the challenge they require heading into the final Test.

He said: "This is something that both ourselves and the NZRU have been discussing for some time. The game provides the Lions with a tough clash prior to the third Test and gives not only the New Zealand public but the countless Lions tourists another opportunity to see the Lions in action."

Meanwhile, The Lions are not expected to make any form of announcement regarding the position of head coach Clive Woodward until at least tomorrow.

A scheduled committee meeting, which includes representation from all four home nations, is to take place in Dublin this evening and the Woodward situation is not believed to be the only topic on the agenda.

Speculation has grown in recent days that Woodward could lose his position as Lions coach after he stepped down from his role with England.

Lions chief executive John Feehan said that no comment would be made on the issue today but added that the committee would be looking to clarify the position later in the week.

Revised Lions itinerary for 2005 New Zealand tour:

June 4  v Bay of Plenty, Rotorua

June 8  v Taranaki, New Plymouth

June 11 v New Zealand Maori, tba

June 15 v Wellington, Wellington

June 18 v Otago, Dunedin

June 21 v Southland, Invercargill

June 25 First test, Christchurch

June 28 v Manawatu, Palmerston North

July 2 Second test, Wellington

July 5 v Auckland, Auckland

July 9 Third test, Auckland

Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins