The British & Irish Lions are back!

And they promise to bigger and better than ever when they hit Australian shores a year from now.

It will have been eight years since the Lions last played in front of a crowd – at the final Test in Auckland in 2017 – which means the demand and interest to be part of rugby's greatest tour is already at peak interest.

The Lions remain unique. The best players from Great Britain and Ireland come together on a six week odyssey and will return to Australia for the first time in 12 years.

In 2013, under the leadership of Sam Warburton, the Lions won the series 2-1 with a sensational third Test victory in Sydney and already the Sea of Red – the epic wave of travelling support – is ready to sweep across Australia.

Lions Rugby Travel is the official travel company of the Lions and has an unbeatable range of ticket-inclusive fan experiences to every match.

While three Test tours are the most popular options, fans have the opportunity to experience as little or as much as they'd like – from the full 39-night tour or weekend breaks to one of the Test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

And as the legendary Martin Johnson says, who knows a thing or two about the Lions: “It's still got that bit of magic hasn't it?” It's a great outdoors country and has something for everyone – it's a great place to tour.

“As a fan, why wouldn't you want to be there? There is nothing like The Lions and nothing like a Lions Tour – it brings people together on and off the field and is always very special.

“It's just one of those things you just have to do – there is no question about that.”

The beauty of a rugby tour is that it's not just about the rugby. It's about making friends and memories and discovering new places and fans certainly have the chance to do that next year.

From the incredible Great Barrier Reef to the remarkable sight of Uluru, the golden beaches of Hamilton Island or the surf on the Gold Coast, there really is something for everyone.

As well as great holiday memories, Lions Rugby Travel will also offer exclusive experiences that will get fans closer to the Lions legend and the stars who are part of rugby history.

Lions Theatre and Lions Den will be key fan events on the Friday night and then matchday, while an on the ground event team will support fans across Australia.

The Lions are back and remain iconic. They thrive because fans make a pledge every four years to follow them across the globe. They are special and are part of history and as Johnson says, they still have that bit of magic.

For more information on ticket-inclusive travel experiences to Australia, visit https://www.lionstour.com?utm_source=the+rugby+paper&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ytg