British and Irish Lions: Andy Irvine insists the tourists are raring to go

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      British and Irish Lions tour manager Andy Irvine claims the squad can't wait to get going after they finally touched down in Hong Kong.

      The majority of the squad have been training together for the past two weeks, with the players who had been involved in domestic and European finals teaming up with them on Sunday.

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          However the tour officially now gets underway in Hong Kong, with the Lions set to tackle the Barbarians on Saturday before they head to Australia.

          And Irvine, who played of the Lions on the 1974, 1977 and 1980 tours, told Sky Sports: "The lads are just delighted.

          "They have been in the training camp for the past couple of weeks and this is the real thing. We have now arrived on foreign soil. Obviously it is a bit warm for them but we will take that in our stride.

          "It is the first time the Lions have played in Hong Kong or in Asia, so we are thrilled are getting the opportunity to show the locals what we can do against the Barbarians, too. It is a big game for us. It is two iconic sides so it should be a tremendous contest."

          Although the main focus of the tour will be on the three-Test series against the Wallabies, Irvine says the Lions are determined to get off to a flying start.

          "It is really important, you never want to start the tour with a loss," said Irvine.