Jonny Wilkinson is certain to be a key part of the tour

They will face an even tighter schedule than the Rugby World Cup, with seven matches against provincial opposition and three Tests.

The tour will start on 4 June against Bay of Plenty and conclude with the third Test on 9 July in Auckland.

The Lions, to be coached by Sir Clive Woodward, will play provincial rather than Super 12 sides, but will not face domestic champions Auckland.

The cream of British and Irish rugby will face six matches leading into the first Test.

Five of the fixtures will be against sides from the first division of the National Provincial Competition, including Otago and Wellington.

The sixth is a hotly-anticipated clash with the New Zealand Maori in Hamilton.

Lions chairman and tour manager Bill Beaumont, said: "It is high time we renewed our long held traditions with the country in general and the All Blacks in particular.

2005 LIONS SCHEDULE 4 June: Bay of Plenty 8 June: Taranaki 11 June: NZ Maori 15 June: Wellington 18 June: Otago 21 June: Southland 25 June: 1st Test - C'church 28 June: Manawatu 2 July: 2nd Test - Wellington 9 July: 3rd Test - Auckland

"The tour itself promises to challenge the 2005 Lions from start to finish with a series of difficult assignments but I am absolutely sure that we will rise to that challenge.

"The huge level of interest and enthusiasm shown by the New Zealand public in the tour, even already, will be undoubtedly one of the highlights.

Beaumont added: "Any Lions tour is a truly unique event in world rugby and I am confident that this tour will be an exceptionally successful and rewarding experience for all involved."

Manawatu is the only side from the lower divisions of the NPC to have been awarded a fixture during the tour and they provide the final midweek opposition, in between the first and second Tests.

It is the same scheduled format the Lions undertook in Australia in 2001.

This will be my first Lions Tour. I have heard it is an experience not to be missed From G Kirkov Have your say on Scrum V

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said: "We expect this to be one of the biggest sporting events the country has ever held."

"The programme we have put in place reflects that, and should maximise the opportunity for all New Zealanders to see the Lions in action.

"Additionally, it will allow the whole country to share in the economic benefits that the tour will bring by providing a wonderful opportunity."