Bay of Plenty's Clayton McMillan has been named head coach of the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians side to take on the British & Irish Lions in June.

The Barbarians side will be selected from a pool of provincial union players across the country for the one-off fixture which will be the opening match of the upcoming DHL NZ Lions Series 2017.

The coaching team, which includes Waikato's Roger Randle and Canterbury's Joe Maddock, will have just one-week to prepare their side for the fixture which takes place in Whangarei on June 3.

The team will be managed by Whanganui's Chris Back and is rounded out with Northland support staff Jed Smethurst (Physio), Tim Hurst (Strength & Conditioning) and Conlin Locke (Doctor).

McMillian says the opportunity to add to the Barbarians legacy has his management team excited.

'The history and culture of the New Zealand Barbarians is rich so it will be an honour for this group to be a part of that.

'Opening the DHL NZ Lions Series against the best players from the Northern Hemisphere will no doubt be the biggest match of many of our players' lives - it will be a great occasion for them and the people of Whangarei.

Along with Randle and Maddock, McMillan will spend the next six weeks tracking players in the lead-up to a squad naming in April.

McMillan says they're aiming to play an entertaining brand of rugby which fits with the BaaBaas tradition of 'innovation and flair”.

'For that, we'll need a mix of new, young stars and more experienced provincial campaigners. It is a great opportunity for the match in Whangarei to set the scene for what promises to be an enthralling series with the British & Irish Lions.

NZ Barbarian Rugby Club president Ron Williams says it is fitting the Barbarians would open the upcoming Lions Series.

'The New Zealand Barbarian Rugby Club has a proud tradition dating back to 1937, representing every region over the years.

'We're excited by Clayton, who has an excellent track record, coming on board to lead the Provincial Barbarians and looking forward to seeing the club's traditions passed on to the players who take on the Lions.

'We can't wait for June 3.”

The DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 kicks off in 99 days.