On Wednesday we found out The British & Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand this summer and the clock is ticking to the start of the Tour.
To make sure you keep up to date with all the latest Lions news, make sure you have downloaded the official Lions app, and for those of you have already done so, remember to update it.
Download our Official App for iPhone or Android!
The latest version includes the full squad along with bios of every player so you can find out every little detail about the 41 players selected, along with the coaching staff.
There is also the exciting new game feature which is now available in the most recent update.
The game feature, called 'My Lions' and developed by EY, is a fantasy game in which fans will be able to select their Lions starting XV, including Captain and primary kicker, to take on the experts’ teams in a series of fantasy rugby games.
The app analytics are designed to randomly assign weather conditions, ground selection and referees, whilst fans will be able to select their "'boost' player" preferred tactics and substitution start time to achieve a win, lose or draw result.
Users can share their results on social media or compare with the experts teams and their friends' performances through league tables featured in the app.
Before each of the three Test matches against the All Blacks, fans will also be able to submit and share their preferred starting XV before the team is announced by Head Coach Warren Gatland so they can compare directly!
Sponsors and fans can leverage the “private leagues” app feature and generate their own access controlled leagues for their own competitions or engagement activities with their clients and friends! It will be a great way for all to become involved and engaged with The Lions from a commercial and public perspective.
Click here for the official 41-man Lions squad
In addition to standard features such as access to Lions news, Lions TV, Lions imagery and competitions, the Official App gives fans an interactive and stimulating sports experience by using advanced analytics.
Results for the fantasy rugby games are based on EY’s rugby model, which assesses more than 150 features related to a players position and their recent performance, as well as more than 30 statistically significant team factors that influence high-performing teams. In addition to connecting with real time news and updates on their chosen team, users can closely monitor and stay updated on their favourite players’ performance and get experts’ reviews and analysis.
“Through this development, EY is helping the Lions transform their fan engagement from a leading global sports brand into a truly digital brand. Working in collaboration with the Lions, EY helps refine their digital strategy and vision while shaping the future fan and commercial partner experience, ensuring that the team is seen as a leader in this field as well as on the playing field,” Norman Lonergan, EY Global Vice Chair, Advisory Services, said.
British & Irish Lions Chief Operating Officer Charlie McEwen, added: “The App really brings the Tour to life for rugby fans around the globe. This latest release includes some exciting new features such as the ability to test your selection skills against top rugby experts. In addition, the App will continue to bring you all the latest news, imagery and videos to make this the ultimate digital experience of any Lions Tour to date."
The Lions App is available to download from GooglePlay and the App store.
So download the app today and ensure you have the latest version as the start of the Tour draws ever closer.
App Store for iOS devices
Android App on Google Play
