Irish Rugby Fans Asked To Behave Responsibly

Irish Rugby fans travelling to New Zealand for the British and Irish Lions Tour have been advised to behave sensibly.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, has offered eight 'top tips' to fans travelling to the country.

Speaking ahead of the first game, which takes place on Saturday, 3 June, Minister Flanagan said: "All sports fans are looking forward to the drama that will be played out on the rugby pitches of New Zealand over the next five weeks.

"While most of us will be rising from our beds early to get a good seat in front of the TV, hundreds of fortunate Irish rugby fans will be there in person to cheer on the Irish Lions and their English, Welsh and Scottish team-mates.

"I am taking this opportunity to ask all of those Irish rugby fans to be sensible and to plan properly so that they can have as enjoyable and memorable a time as possible."

He continued: "I am urging all of them to download 'Travelwise', the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade's award-winning smartphone app which assists Irish citizens travelling overseas.

"Once downloaded, fans can receive travel alerts for New Zealand and they can also register their travel plans so that, in the unlikely event that our Consulate in Auckland needs to make contact, they can do so more easily.

"If fans take notice of my eight 'top tips', it should make for a more enjoyable experience for all."

The Minister's eight 'top tips' are:

• Strongly recommend that everyone who is travelling to New Zealand has comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

• If a passport is lost or stolen it should be reported to the Honorary Consulate in Auckland and the individual should apply for a new passport. They are advised to do so immediately as remaining in New Zealand without a valid passport may give rise to difficulties with the local immigration authorities.

• Temporary passports can be issued through the Honorary Consulate General in Auckland. To apply for a temporary passport a person must have supporting documentation. See www.ireland.co.nz or www.dfa.ie/australia for more information.

• Stay in touch with home. Win, lose or draw, let family and friends know that you are okay. Call, text or post on social media, and ensure loved ones have information about your itinerary and travel plans.

• Be responsible. Avoid unnecessary risks – steer clear of trouble, drink responsibly and behave respectfully when engaging with local authorities, including local law enforcement agencies.

• Match venues will be enforcing their standard conditions of entry. Prohibited items generally include alcohol, drugs, glass bottles or breakable containers, metal containers, cans and offensive weapons, including potential missiles.

• All match venues reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who is intoxicated and/or disorderly and licensing laws are likely to be strictly enforced.

• Finally, stay connected. Follow @dfatirl (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade), @dfatravelwise (travel advice and consular information from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade), @irlnz1 (the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in New Zealand), and @irlembaustralia (News from Embassy of Ireland to Australia and New Zealand).

The British & Irish Lions begin their tour of New Zealand tomorrow, Saturday 3 June, with a game against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians. Kick-off is at 8.35am (GMT).

(JP/LM)