Rugby fans invited to ‘name that plane’

British Airways is offering rugby fans the opportunity to name the official aircraft taking the British & Irish Lions squad to South Africa in May. A public competition will be held to select the name to be branded across the official British Airways aircraft taking the players, coaches and support staff to the republic.

Former Lions player Jeremy Guscott will be amongst the panel of judges that sift through the nominations to find the most fitting name. Entries will be judged on creativity, suitability and relevance to the tour.

This is the first time such a prestigious honour has been opened up to the public.

In 2003 the airline famously flew the World Cup wining England rugby team back from Australia in 'Sweet Chariot', while the team that came so close to a successful defence of the trophy in 2007 was flown to Paris in 'Hope and Glory'. More recently a gold-nosed aircraftcalled 'Pride' had the honour of returning Team GB and ParalympicsGB from the 2008 Beijing Games.

British Airways ambassador Jeremy Guscott said: "We're asking rugby fans to get behind the team and show their support by coming up with the most creative, fitting and inspiring name that will take their heroes to South Africa."

Hopeful entrants should send proposed names to sponsorship@ba.com with 'Name That Plane' in the headline by 25th April. The successful winner will receive a picture of the team with the plane, as well as a British & Irish Lions shirt signed by the players.

There's still time for supporters to book their flights to South Africa for the tour with the official airline at ba.com.