Cape Town to host all three Tests between South Africa and Lions

The final two Test matches between South Africa and British and Irish Lions has been shifted to Cape Town to reduce the risk of Covid exposure.

The Cape Town Stadium already hosts the opening game between the two sides on 24th July and now will be the venue for the second and third game as well which will prevent the players from travelling to Johannesburg, which was originally set to host the final two encounters.

South Africa rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said the decision to shift the venue for the second and third game to Cape Town was sensible considering the Covid outbreak in the country due to the delta variant.

“The data pointed in only one direction. The series has already been significantly disrupted by Covid-19 and a return to Gauteng at this time would only increase the risks," he said.

“We now have two teams in bio-secure environments without any positive cases or anyone in isolation. To now return to the Highveld would expose the series to renewed risk.

“Everyone wants to see the two squads, at their strongest, play out an unforgettable series over the next three weekends and this decision gives us the best opportunity to see that happen.”

Fixtures:

24th July - First Test, Cape Town
31st July - Second Test, Cape Town
7th August - Third Test, Cape Town