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The Lions\u2019 summer tour to South Africa is set to go ahead as originally scheduled.<\/p>\nThe Lions\u2019 summer tour to South Africa is set to go ahead as originally scheduled.<\/p>\n
Contingency plans, including staging the three-match Test series in the UK, were being considered due to ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
But following a succession of meetings, the Lions board has confirmed to SA Rugby its preference to stick with the initial plan of matches being hosted by South Africa during July and August.<\/p>\n
Lions chairman Jason Leonard said in a statement: \u201cAfter reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the board\u2019s intended position is for the tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust Covid-19 countermeasure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted tour.<\/p>\n
\u201cSA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Lions, coached by Warren Gatland, are due to play Test matches in Johannesburg on July 24 and August 7, either side of a game in Cape Town on July 31.<\/p>\n
Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney indicated earlier on Tuesday that the tour would be cancelled if South Africa were unable to host it.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the Lions board had turned down an offer from Australia to stage the tour.<\/p>\n
There is still uncertainty about whether crowds will be permitted to attend matches.<\/p>\n
President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander said: \u201cWe appreciate the Lions\u2019 faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we are determined that the eventual outcome will deliver the best occasion and experience for players, supporters and our commercial partners.\u201d<\/p>\n