British Lions Choose Noosa to Train and Recover

The British & Irish Lions

In an exciting coup for Noosa, The British & Irish Lions will today officially announce Noosa as the destination for the official Training & Recovery Week as part of their 2013 Lions Tour of Australia.

Between 100 and 200 people including the team, management and media will visit for the week in June 2013 for the Training & Recovery Week which will include three days of training plus some recovery time for the team. In addition to this, the tour attracts about 25 000 fans that travel around the world following one of the world's most famous touring Rugby Union teams.

Celebrating their 125th anniversary tour in 2013, the tour takes place every 4 years but only comes to Australia every 12 years and will incorporate 6 regional games and 3 test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.   The tour will be the biggest sporting event in Australia in 2013.

General Manager of Tourism Noosa, Damien Massingham said "This is an incredible opportunity for Noosa. The British & Irish Lions have the biggest following of any football team in the world with the majority of their fans coming from the UK. This type of high yield business will offer a great boost for our tourism industry in addition to the international media exposure that will be generated."

"Tourism Noosa in conjunction with Tourism Queensland, Events Queensland and  Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd will be targeting their fans to also visit our region during the teams stay. As well we will be targeting Brisbane and other domestic rugby fans, along with New Zealand rugby tragics to visit Noosa and the wider Sunshine Coast during this time."

Members from the British & Irish Lions visited Australia a few months ago and spent time in Noosa and enjoyed the destination so much, they have chosen Noosa for this important week of their tour. They are looking forward to spending their recovery time in Noosa and early discussions have talked about activities including surfing, stand up paddling and possibly a visit to Fraser Island if time permits.

Chris Burton, President of the Noosa Dolphins said "Rugby fans from across the Coast, Brisbane and further afield will have the chance of seeing the British & Irish Lions training, which will be an amazing experience. We are honoured to have been chosen as the destination and also the sporting facility for their training & recovery."

 Noosa 

Cr Russell Green said, "Council's investment to ensure the playing surface is of the highest standard for the British & Irish Lions Tour is important to ensure that Noosa is showcased at its finest.  The Noosa Dolphin's Rugby Union Club must be congratulated on the work they have done to achieve this tour arriving in Noosa.  Council will be working in close partnership with the Club and Tourism Noosa to ensure the experience of not only the touring team but also all those that follow it, is of the highest standard."