![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/2.31978072.jpg\")
Rugby Australia has raised fresh hope that this summer\u2019s British and Irish Lions series against South Africa can go ahead by offering to host the tour.<\/p>\nRugby Australia has raised fresh hope that this summer\u2019s British and Irish Lions series against South Africa can go ahead by offering to host the tour.<\/p>\n
The Lions are due to visit South Africa in July and August, highlighted by a three-Test series against the world champions.<\/p>\n
But the coronavirus pandemic has created considerable uncertainty over whether the eight-match trip will take place and the new variant in South Africa has made it extremely unlikely they will be able to host.<\/p>\n
Possible options under consideration by Lions chiefs were playing the games behind closed doors, delaying the tour until next year or hosting games in the United Kingdom and Ireland.<\/p>\n
But Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has confirmed reports on Saturday that they have offered to step in and host the series.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, McLennan said: \u201cWhat we learnt from the Tri Nations last year and the tennis that\u2019s happening now is that Australia can successfully stage global tournaments in a Covid world.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s particularly tough in the UK and South Africa at the moment and I believe the more international rugby that gets played here, the better. We\u2019re here to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
McLennan says profits from the tour would be split between the Lions and South Africa, with Rugby Australia merely covering their costs.<\/p>\n
The move would also offer significant hope of matches being played in front of fans. Crowds have returned to live sport in the country and up to 30,000 fans will be allowed to watch next month\u2019s Australian Open in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
I think it needs to go ahead this year. The jury is out on where it will happen.<\/p>\n
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said earlier this week that the tour should go ahead \u201cif it can\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it needs to go ahead this year,\u201d Jones said, speaking during Wednesday\u2019s Guinness Six Nations virtual launch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe jury is out on where it will happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know the jeopardy that it\u2019s in. All being well, everyone will be safe and looked after if it does go ahead, for those guys selected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be a travesty if the fans weren\u2019t able to go and see it.\u201d<\/p>\n