British and Irish Lions' Jamie Roberts (R) and the Barbarians' Joe Rokocoko leap for the ball during the 1st half of their friendly Rugby match in Hong Kong June 1, 2013. World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward, who guided the Lions on their 2005 series wipeout in New Zealand, has led calls of opposition to the tour opener being played in extreme heat against an underdone Barbarians outfit. The match scheduling in Hong Kong, which is the global headquarters of Lions sponsors HSBC, has also been a target of criticism due to the extreme heat and poor ticket sales. The temperature is forecast to be 29 degrees and humidity at 90 per cent when the game kicks off at 7.30pm local time (2330 NZT), forcing a drinks break to occur in each half for safety reasons.

Text from EyePress

Ahead of the British & Irish Lions’ game against the Barbarians this evening, over 40 youngsters participated in a special HSBC grassroots rugby event, attended by former British & Irish Lions captain Martin Johnson and former Barbarian Gareth Edwards.

Nathan Sweeney, one of the children who participated at today’s session, said, “Today was really fun and exciting. I hope to play professionally when I grow up and that one day, I can be a Lion.”

Over 20 school boys, aged 12 and below, participated in a special HSBC grassroots rugby event led by former British & Irish Lions captain Martin Johnson.