British and Irish Lions tour ‘to go ahead in South Africa behind closed doors’

British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa is BACK ON with organisers ploughing ahead with games likely behind closed doors despite Covid variant fears, after the Government refuse to financially back home Tests

  • The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa is set to go ahead this summer 
  • The Lions are set to travel to South Africa despite a third wave expected 
  • Plans to host the tour in the UK and Ireland were dismissed due to costs 
  • Talks are ongoing with South Africa amid concerns that it isn’t financially viable 

The British and Irish Lions are set to go to South Africa this summer after a dramatic U-turn at board level.

Plans to play the fixtures in South Africa appeared to be dead in the water, with detailed contingency plans drawn up for a UK-based series.

However, the board were forced into a change of thinking when the UK Government refused to underwrite the risk of extended crowd restrictions.

The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa will be staged behind closed doors this summer

The Lions are set to travel to South Africa despite an expected third wave of coronavirus

The Lions are set to travel to South Africa despite an expected third wave of coronavirus

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney admitted on Tuesday afternoon that ‘time is running out’ and a tour of South Africa is now the preferred option.

South Africa is behind the UK with its vaccine rollout so the itinerary may be different to the original schedule.

It is highly unlikely that overseas supporters will be allowed into the country, although Sportsmail understands that small local crowds have not been ruled out.

There may also be a change in venues, to limit the risk of virus spread around the country. 

South Africa is bracing for a third wave of the disease, expected to arrive at the start of winter in June, coinciding with the visit of the Lions. 

There had been suggestions that the tour could be relocated, with Australia offering to host the series while claims that the UK and Ireland could host gathered momentum. 

What was due to be a four-Test tour now looks set to be played behind closed doors in July and August. 

Talks with South Africa Rugby to finalise the details of the tour continue, with challenges posed by the pandemic still needing to be addressed. 

The latest development comes after the RFU threw its weight behind plans to travel to South Africa.

‘If it is possible, the RFU is supportive of the Lions tour going ahead in South Africa as planned,’ said an RFU spokesperson. ‘Ultimately the decision will be made by the Lions Board together with SARU, and the welfare of players will be central to any decision made.’    

Meanwhile, the Lions board hurriedly brought in ex-Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips to deputise for managing director Ben Calveley this week, who has been signed off from work duties on medical grounds. 

This disruptive development comes in a week which is regarded as the deadline for making a decision about the Covid-blighted 2021 tour. 

The Lions and South Africa will take solace in the success of this year’s Six Nations, which were also played behind closed doors. Lions boss Warren Gatland has cast his eye over a number of players in line for selection for this summer’s tour.   

The Lions board dismissed plans to host in the UK and Ireland because of financial concerns

The Lions board dismissed plans to host in the UK and Ireland because of financial concerns

With the UK government seemingly unwilling to underwrite costs, plans have been changed

With the UK government seemingly unwilling to underwrite costs, plans have been changed