British and Irish Lions receive Maori welcome in New Zealand

By Rory O'Callaghan

The British and Irish Lions arrive in Aukland after an 11,000 mile flight to a traditional Maori welcome for the tour of New Zealand.

The British and Irish Lions were greeted by a traditional Maori welcome as they arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday for their six-week tour.

Lions captain Sam Warburton, looking slightly fatigued from the long journey from London, was given the customary Maori welcome - the Pōwhiri - at Auckland International Airport.

The Lions on Sky Sports

The British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand starts on 3rd June, exclusively on Sky Sports.

A man in traditional costume performed an elaborate dance and laid down a challenge, known as a wero, which was accepted by Warburton.

Warren Gatland's side were then greeted by the haka before returning with their own rendition of the Welsh song 'Calon Lan', led by Scarlets hooker Ken Owens.

Live International Rugby Union

The Lions face a Provincial Barbarians side in their first match 10-match tour, which includes three Tests against the All Blacks, on Saturday. Watch the whole series live on Sky Sports.

Also See:

Click the video at the top of the page to watch Warburton accept the Maori challenge.

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