The South African Rugby Union, otherwise known as SA Rugby, has confirmed that the scheduled British & Irish Lions Tour for next year is going ahead as scheduled according to a statement from SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux on July 15.
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Furthermore, the initial dates released for the tour games also remain unchanged with plans going on as normal despite the growing threat of the global coronavirus pandemic.
The eight-game tour kicks off in little under a year on July 3 when the Lions play Vodacom Super Rugby’s DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
Three weeks later the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will host the first test – a venue which last hosted the Springboks in 2013 when the Boks put Argentina to the sword in a 73-13 victory.
The second test follows on July 31 at the Cape Town Stadium – the first Lions test in the Mother City since 1997 – before the British and Irish tourists return to Gauteng for the final test on August 7 at Emirates Airline Park – the storied venue of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
SA Rugby boss Roux enthused: “The whole of South Africa is looking forward to welcoming the Lions and we continue progressing our plans to provide our local supporters, as well as fans travelling from abroad, with a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.
“We’ve seen with the three most recent tours, in 2009 to South Africa, 2013 to Australia and 2017 to New Zealand, that the Lions bring with them a big and passionate group of supporters. We have to ensure the army of red does not dwarf our sea of green and gold, while at the same time showing our guests the best South African hospitality.
“This will be the British & Irish Lions’ third tour since the game turned professional, with them winning in 1997 and us taking the spoils in 2009. On every occasion the Springboks took the field as reigning Rugby World Cup champions and the 2021 tour is already shaping up to be one for the ages.”
Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions managing director, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of disruption to the sporting calendar, but after extensive discussions we are now able to confirm that the tour dates are as previously announced.”
“An enormous amount of planning, especially from a logistical perspective, goes into putting on a Lions series, so it was crucial that a decision was agreed upon in good time. I am particularly pleased that we are able to provide some clarity for all those Lions supporters eager to travel to South Africa next summer.”
The British & Irish Lions have toured South Africa on 13 previous occasions, with the first tour taking place in 1891. In that time, the Lions have won four test series, lost eight with one drawn. Their overall record against the Springboks is played 46, won 17, lost 23 and drawn six.
Following their desperately close loss the last time around, the famous Lions will be looking for revenge, but with the world champion Springboks at the top of their game, fans are sure to be given their money’s worth once again.
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