British & Irish Lions to play Japan in Edinburgh

The British & Irish Lions rugby team will face off against Japan on 26 June in Edinburgh ahead of their 2021 tour of South Africa.

The match will be called the Vodafone 1888 Cup, after the first year a touring Lions team visited Australia and New Zealand.

Tickets are due to go on pre-sale on Tuesday 3 November, with Vodafone UK customers able to access tickets and giveaways through the VeryMe loyalty programme.

Vodafone UK is the Lead Partner for the Lions 2021 tour of South Africa. The match against Japan is only the third ‘home’ game in the team’s unique history.

Ben Calveley, Managing Director, British & Irish Lions, said: “A Lions Test is one of the most iconic events in world sport, but a huge number of fans from the Home Nations never get the chance to see one live.

“The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup match will give even more supporters the opportunity to be part of the next chapter in Lions history.”

Warren Gatland, Lions Head Coach, said: “We saw Japan play some excellent rugby during the World Cup and they will come to Edinburgh fully-motivated to win.

“They are a talented side who play high-tempo rugby, so it’ll be a good challenge for us ahead of the Tour, and a chance for the match day squad to put their hands up for Test selection.”

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