The British and Irish Lions have announced the details of their 10-match tour of South Africa next year. The Lions play South Africa in a three-match series in 2009, with Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg chosen as the respective venues.

However, the tour will start with a match against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on May 30, and culminate in a possible series decider at Ellis Park five weeks later.

The Lions will play in seven cities, facing a schedule that includes four midweek fixtures and six Saturday games. Their last visit to South Africa in 1997 produced a historic 2-1 series triumph. As on that occasion, the Springboks are once again reigning world champions.

Andy Irvine, the Lions chairman, said: "We are looking forward to touring such a wonderful country and playing the world champions on their own turf. The tour itself promises be full of challenges in a country where rugby is a real passion, but I am confident the 2009 Lions will acquit themselves well. We are expecting tens of thousands of Lions fans to travel to South Africa in 2009, and we are certain that every one of them will come back with amazing memories."

Jonathan Stones, the managing director of South African rugby, added: "The Lions tour will be a massive sporting event on a par with Rugby World Cup, and is expected to be a huge success. We are putting in place an exciting programme and look forward to hosting this unique team. It is anticipated that South Africa will reap significant economic benefits from this tour."

Meanwhile, the Lions hope to name their head coach by the middle of May. Ian McGeechan, who led the squad to victory in South Africa 11 years ago, is the clear favourite for the post and is expected to name Shaun Edwards and Warren Gatland, who masterminded Wales' RBS Six Nations title success, as his assistants.

The British Lions' itinerary:
May 30, Highveld XV (Rustenburg)
June 3, Golden Lions (Johannesburg)
June 6, Cheetahs (Bloemfontein);
June 10, Sharks (Durban)
June 13, Western Province (Cape Town)
June 16/17 tbc, Coastal XV tbc (Port Elizabeth tbc)
June 20, South Africa (Durban)
June 23, Emerging Springboks (Cape Town)
June 27, South Africa (Pretoria)
July 4, South Africa (Johannesburg)