Brave Blossoms.

The British & Irish Lions will be playing their first home game since 2005 when they take on Japan in The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup at BT Murrayfield on 26 June 2021.

The first-ever clash between the world’s greatest touring side and the Brave Blossoms will raise the curtain for the Lions’ eagerly awaited Tour to South Africa, which culminates in a three-Test series against Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks.

Tickets for the historic fixture go on pre-sale on Tuesday 3 November, with supporters able to register their interest for the game at lionsrugby.com/Vodafone-1888-Cup.

Vodafone customers will be able to benefit from access to tickets and giveaways via the VeryMe loyalty programme.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland believes the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists will provide a stern test for his squad before they depart for South Africa.

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

“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.”

​Japan head coach Jamie Joseph is also relishing the prospect of the fixture:

“We are very much looking forward to playing a Test against the Lions next year.

“It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our players, and we can’t wait for it to come.”

Scottish Rugby’s 67,000-seater stadium in Edinburgh will host only the third Lions Test match on ‘home’ soil, following games in Cardiff against Argentina in 2005 and against a Rest of the World XV in 1986.