The chosen few are Gullivers Sports Travel, Living With The Lions, Thomas cook Sport, Trevor Brennan Rugby Tours (Ireland) and Venatour.

They will now work with the Lions’ own travel company Official Supporter Tours to supply travel for supporters following the team which is made up of rugby players from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

The tour takes place in June and July next year with indications already suggesting the tour will be a popular one.

Charlie McEwen, the British & Irish Lions chief operating officer, said: “The interest in the tour is phenomenal and there will be thousands of fans making the trip.

“We are delighted that they have the security and assurance of getting their ticket-inclusive travel packages through the Lions’ own Supporter Tours as well as official sub-agents.

“These are the only companies entitled to provide official tickets combined with travel and/or accommodation for the tour.

“The Lions and the New Zealand Rugby Union are both keen to highlight that fans obtaining tickets from unofficial sources run the risk of having those tickets cancelled, and missing out on attendance at games.”