The British & Irish Lions rugby union team has agreed a deal with British Airways, who will sponsor the side's tour of South Africa in the summer.

The two-month tour will see the British and Irish side play three matches against the South African national team, the current rugby world champions, as well as seven games against provincial South African sides.

The British & Irish Lions are a selection of players from the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish national sides.

"We are delighted that British Airways has decided to renew its partnership with the British & Irish Lions," said John Feehan, chief executive of the tour.  

"The support the fans give the team is vitally important to their success, so it's fantastic that British Airways can fly so many supporters to South Africa and between major cities to get behind their team."

British Airways announced on Friday that it would continue cutting jobs.

"We're looking at everything, any area where we can improve efficiency and eliminate costs," the chief executive, Willie Walsh, said during a conference call with journalists.

"We will continue to look at the number of people employed."

The airline is forecasting an operating loss of about US$222 million for the year ending March 31.