Jamie Roberts hopes global calendar leaves Lions' fixture unaffected

Wales international Jamie Roberts is hoping the upcoming global season calendar that is being planned by World Rugby will leave British and Irish Lions' fixtures unscathed.

The Harlequins centre who has played in the 2009 and 2013 series of the Lions will be hoping to make it to the squad for the 2017 edition when Warren Gatland's men will head to New Zealand.

The international fixtures beyond the 2019 World Cup has not been released as the southern and northern hemisphere teams are in discussion with the World Rugby on how to resolve the global calendar conundrum and Roberts hopes their plans do not disturb the Lions' schedule.

"As much as people talk about cramming 10 games into five or six weeks, it's that special, the Lions, and we're not talking about something that happens every season," said Roberts.

"It's an extremely special and privileged place to be. And regardless of how much your body's hurting after a long and tough season, you're ready.

"You're ready to really put your body on the line.

"Players from the host nations, they only get the chance to play the Lions every 12 years. So it's very easy to appreciate too just how big it is for them as well.

"They know playing against the Lions is a huge privilege as well, so long, long may it continue."

Meanwhile, 2003 World Cup winner, Richard Hill, who is currently appointed as the team manager of England team said he will continue to guide the young talents in the nation despite being part of Eddie Jones' set-up.

"I have a small group of players I mentor, and my role within the pathway continues," said the 2003 World Cup winner, who was with Roberts, speaking for Robert Walters at the launch of their British and Irish Lions sponsorship.

"I act as a support coach with the age grades, as and what each age grade wants. That has been evolving through my two plus years in the pathway."