When is the British and Irish Lions tour and will fans be allowed to travel?

The Lions are due to play Test matches in Johannesburg on 24 July and 7 August, either side of a game in Cape Town on 31 July

Tuesday 23 March 2021 12:46 EDT

Lions supporters cheer during the match (Getty Images)

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The British and Irish Lions’ tour has been given the green light to go ahead as originally planned in South Africa, it has been confirmed.

After a number of meetings and with several contingency plans mooted, 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.

“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,” Lions chairman Jason Leonard said in a statement:

“We 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.

“SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.”

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Here’s everything you need to know:

When is the Lions tour?

The Test matches are set to go ahead in Johannesburg on 24 July and 7 August, either side of a game in Cape Town on 31 July.

Could it still be cancelled?

There are fears over a third wave of the virus hitting the country between now and the tour.

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.

Will fans be allowed to travel?

There is still uncertainty about whether crowds will be permitted to attend matches.

The Lions say they plan to “work with relevant South African Government departments to ascertain the latest guidance on Covid-19 countermeasure planning for major sporting events and will communicate any updates as soon as it is possible to do so.”

Supporters who already have tickets are assured they will be in line for a full refund should the tour not go ahead or fas are not permitted to travel.

What has been said?

“We appreciate the Lions’ faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour,” president of SA Rugby Mark Alexander said.

“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.

“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.”

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