British and Irish Lions tour manager Andy Irvine has revealed that the squad cannot wait to begin their tour of Australia this summer.
Irvine, who represented the Lions in three tours, also admitted that the challenge of competing in Asia has excited the squad.
"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," he told Sky Sports News.
"It is the first time the Lions have played in Hong Kong or in Asia, so we are thrilled we 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."
The Lions face the Barbarians in Hong Kong on Saturday before travelling to Australia.
