British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa to go ahead as per original schedule

The British & Irish Lions have confirmed that their upcoming 2021 tour of South Africa will go ahead as per the original schedule.

The Lions tour of South Africa was scheduled in July and August next year but doubts were raised on whether it will take place in the same schedule following the pandemic coronavirus which had postponed the Tokyo Olympics to next year in the same timeline.

There were also suggestions to postpone the Lions tour to autumn to accommodate the global calendar which is set to be announced but British and Irish Lions managing director Ben Calveley said there will be no changes in date for the three-Test series.

“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,” said Calveley.

“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 Lions have toured South Africa on 13 occasions previously in which they went on to win four and lost eight with one ending in a draw.