Australia offers to host British and Irish Lions' series against South Africa

Rugby Australia has offered to host the upcoming series between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions that has been scheduled to play in South Africa from July.

The Lions will begin their preparation for the series with a clash against Japan in Edinburgh on 26th June before they head to South Africa for tour games against South Africa 'Invitational', Cell C Sharks, South Africa and Vodacom Bulls following which they will face the Springboks in a three-game Test series.

The pandemic coronavirus has created some uncertainty over the series with South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus earlier saying the board wants to consider all possible options including playing the series in UK or postponing to next year incase if there are issues surrounding the original schedule.

Rugby Australia chief executive Hamish McLennan said the board has given proposal to host the high profile series.

“Ultimately it’s their call,” McLennan told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“What we learnt from the Tri Nations last year and the tennis that’s happening now is that Australia can successfully stage global tournaments in a Covid-19 world.

“It’s particularly tough in the UK and South Africa at the moment and I believe the more international rugby that gets played the better. We’re here to help".

McLennan also added that the profits for hosting the series will go to the South African and Lions board with Rugby Australia covering only the cost to host the competition.

“We’ll cover our costs but it continues to put rugby front and centre and we’ll be helping our member union friends out along the way,” he said.

“The more world-class rugby that’s played in Australia, the better for the code.”