The team, led by club captain Robert Hill, will play games against Centaurs RFC, St Andrews College and one other major local school.

The tour will help gauge how the Lions have progressed over the last four years and will assist in this year's coaching techniques.

With some senior Lions players leaving this year to pursue careers, the trip was also seen as a fitting way to say goodbye to Oliver Adkins, Paul Johns, Alexander Ahl and Callum Henderson, who have played for the club since it started. The tour has been made possible by sponsorship from DST International (Bangkok) and Chubb Direct, which have been strong supporters of the Lions.

Meanwhile, the club will hold a gala dinner on June 2 at the Queen's Park Imperial Hotel. Former All Black Jonah Lomu and England prop Steve Thompson will be guest speakers. Tickets are available for Bt2,800 each.

Contact Bruce Hill on (081) 754 3142 or bhillach@loxinfo.co.th bhillach@loxinfo.co.th.

Fiji on fire

n In Lautoka, Fiji, new-found talent Taniela Rawaqa led Fiji in an impressive second-half comeback to beat Japan 30-15 for a bonus-point victory in their Pacific Nations Cup rugby match yesterday.

The 20-year-old fullback scored a try and kicked two conversions, and two penalties as Fiji rallied from a 3-15 deficit at the break to score 27 unanswered points in the second half. But as much as the younger Fijians played a significant role in the win, the tide turned after new coach Ilivasi Tabua made astute second-half changes.