British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa is BACK ON with organisers ploughing ahead with games likely behind closed doors despite Covid variant fears, after the Government refuse to financially back home Tests
- The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa is set to go ahead this summer
- The Lions are set to travel to South Africa despite a third wave expected
- Plans to host the tour in the UK and Ireland were dismissed due to costs
- Talks are ongoing with South Africa amid concerns that it isn’t financially viable
The British and Irish Lions are set to go to South Africa this summer after a dramatic U-turn at board level.
Plans to play the fixtures in South Africa appeared to be dead in the water, with detailed contingency plans drawn up for a UK-based series.
However, the board were forced into a change of thinking when the UK Government refused to underwrite the risk of extended crowd restrictions.
The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa will be staged behind closed doors this summer
The Lions are set to travel to South Africa despite an expected third wave of coronavirus
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney admitted on Tuesday afternoon that ‘time is running out’ and a tour of South Africa is now the preferred option.
South Africa is behind the UK with its vaccine rollout so the itinerary may be different to the original schedule. There are also concerns over the South African variant of Covid-19, which is thought to be more transmissible and also have some resistance to vaccines.
It is highly unlikely that overseas supporters will be allowed into the country, although Sportsmail understands that small local crowds have not been ruled out.
There may also be a change in venues, to limit the risk of virus spread around the country.
Lions officials have announced that an official agreement has been reached, after receiving confirmation from their counterparts at the South African union that they will be able to host a tour this summer.
In a statement released by the Lions, chairman Jason Leonard said: ‘After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the board’s intended position is for the tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021.
The Lions board dismissed plans to host in the UK and Ireland because of financial concerns
‘We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust COVID-19 counter-measure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted tour. SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.
‘Every British and Irish player dreams of wearing the famous red jersey, and players from the southern hemisphere aspire to be part of a Lions series. We owe it to the current players vying for a place in both squads to ensure they can become part of Lions history.
‘We are very much looking forward to taking on South Africa for what promises to be a highly-competitive series against the reigning world champions.
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, added: ‘We appreciate the Lions’ faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour. We have been in regular contact with our government to make that a reality against the backdrop of the pandemic and its predicted progression over the coming months.
With the UK government seemingly unwilling to underwrite costs, plans have been changed
‘There are serious financial implications for SA Rugby, should the event take place without any supporters in attendance, and we cannot ignore that in our considerations. But we are determined that the eventual outcome will deliver the best occasion and experience for players, supporters and our commercial partners.’
South Africa is bracing for a third wave of the disease, expected to arrive at the start of winter in June, coinciding with the visit of the Lions.
Meanwhile, the Lions board hurriedly brought in ex-Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips to deputise for managing director Ben Calveley this week, who has been signed off from work duties on medical grounds.
This disruptive development comes in a week which is regarded as the deadline for making a decision about the Covid-blighted 2021 tour.
The Lions and South Africa will take solace in the success of this year’s Six Nations, which were also played behind closed doors. Lions boss Warren Gatland has cast his eye over a number of players in line for selection for this summer’s tour.