The British and Irish Lions are planning a visit to South Africa this summer after rejecting possible options for organizing games elsewhere.
The chances of switching to Britain and Ireland or keeping it in Australia have been present as the Covid pandemic continues to disrupt sport.
However, the Lions are hoping to continue their first journey.
Tour To Continue As Planned
“The Board’s intention is for the Tour to continue as planned,” said Lions chairman Jason Leonard.
“We acknowledge that much work remains to be done to bring about a strong Covid-19 system to ensure a safe, secure and uninterrupted journey.”
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, has agreed that the first plan, which includes five warm-up matches against provincial teams, an invitational side and second-string South Africa A before the three Test series, could be 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,” he said.
Will Australia Potentially Host The Game?
It is not yet known whether, as in the Tokyo Olympics this summer, overseas fans will be barred from following the tour.
Earlier on Tuesday, Rugby Football Union manager and Lions board member Bill Sweeney said there were “critical discussions” going on about whether it was possible in South Africa.
Australia put forward a bid to host the matches in January, underlining the ability to play in front of capacity crowds in a relatively Covid-free environment.
However, the offer was rejected earlier this month, leaving Britain and Ireland or South Africa as possible destinations by 2021, with a 12-month postponement or direct cancellation.
Lot Of Work To Be Done
“We have run out of options in the UK so the current agreement with South Africa has an obligation to host this trip if they can, and we have an obligation to go there for a visit,” Sweeney told the BBC.
“There is a lot of work to be done now. This statement is just the beginning of the process. All the discussions around the players who will be in the squad and ensuring the safety of the players go to South Africa. All that work has to be done, so it is no small feat.”
Covid concerns have kept South Africa out of action since beating England in the Rugby World Cup final in November 2019.
Lions coach Warren Gatland is expected to announce the team that will visit the game in early May.
