Lenihan and Woodward

Despite suffering a humbling 3-0 white wash against New Zealand, Exclusive Accommodation (www.exclusiveaccommodation.co.uk), the luxury operator offering a varied selection of elite, private properties for hire in and around Cape Town (home to the first test match in 1997), reports that it has already received enquiries and bookings for the 2009 British & Irish Lions to South Africa.

Comments Carole Purnell, Managing Director of Exclusive Accommodation: "Our phones have been ringing non-stop with booking enquiries for the summer of 2009 since the end of the third test. It’s an over used phrase but, for many this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity, as The Lions only tour every four years and visit South Africa just once every 12 years."

This is backed up by Lions’ 2001 tour manager Donal Lenihan*, who won 52 caps for Ireland and captained them in the 1987 World Cup: "People I know are already talking about booking their trips to South Africa in four years' time."

The 2004 Head coach Sir Clive Woodward agrees*: "The Lions is a great concept. The supporters over there (New Zealand) were just fantastic, they have all had a great trip and hopefully they will do again in South Africa in four years’ time."

Continues Purnell: "Because it’s a very long way away, at the moment we are asking those reserving properties for the summer of 2009 to just provide us with a 15% deposit – we will then hold the booking until July 2008 before taking the final payment."

Aimed at those who want to unwind in a luxurious and totally private setting, Exclusive Accommodation offers guests the chance to stay in some of South Africa’s most prestigious and expensive properties, including the aptly named Villa Chardonnay (sleeps 12).

Bordering the famous Groot Constantia wine estate, the six-bedroomed villa is set high on a mountainside, with spectacular southern views down the Constantiaberg, across False Bay and up to the peaks above Stellenbosch. Enclosed within two-acres of private gardens, facilities within the house include a private gymnasium, very large pool with treatment room, snooker room and bar. The price of a week’s stay is just £5670 (total) – under £473 pp.

Flights and car hire extra. For further information, contact Exclusive Accommodation on 01985 218 878 or visit the website www.exclusiveaccommodation.co.uk

Ends 25 July 2005
Press: For further information, interview opportunities, photography or press trip enquiries please contact Jamie Fox at Fox Vincent Associates on 020 7808 7151 or email jamie.fox@foxvincent.com or www.foxvincent.com



Notes for Editors:

* Donal Lenihan and Sir Clive Woodward’s comments were given to BBC Sport on 11 July 2005.