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British and Irish Lions 2021 tour of South Africa to go ahead as planned
The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa, scheduled to take place in 2021 will go ahead as planned.
by Siviwe Breakfast
in Rugby
Surpporters of the British and Irish Lions celebrate their team's victory over the South African Springboks at the end of the Final Rugby Test in Johannesburg on July 4, 2009, at Ellis Park Stadium. The British and Irish Lions defeated South Africa 28-9 today in third and final Test of series won 2-1 by world champions the Springboks. AFP PHOTO/ ALEXANDER JOE (Photo by ALEXANDER JOE / AFP)
The is after speculation that the visit by the team from up north – which consists of five tour matches and three Tests against the Springboks – could be delayed to a clash with the Tokyo Olympics, which have been pushed back to a July 2021 start.
Lions tour to go ahead as scheduled
However, through a joint update issued out on Wednesday, the Lions and the Springboks confirmed there will be no changes to the dates.
The Lions will likely land in South Africa in late June, ahead of their first tour match, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 3 July.
SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said South Africa is looking forward to welcoming the Lions and their passionate travelling fans.
"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," he said.
"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."
Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO
Lions managing director, Ben Calvery says extensive discussions were held before the decision to keep the schedule as is.
"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," he said.
"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."
Ben Calvery, British and Irish Lions managing director
The Lions last toured South Africa in 2009, when the hosts won the Test series 2-1.
Their previous tour to these shores was the first in the professional era, where they were victorious in the first two internationals before losing the dead-rubber.
The 2021 edition will be the third with Warren Gatland in charge, and the Kiwi will look to maintain his unbeaten record, having drawn in his native New Zealand before winning in Australia.
British and Irish Lions in South Africa full 2021 tour schedule
Saturday 3 July: British & Irish Lions v DHL Stormers – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Wednesday 7 July: British & Irish Lions v South Africa' Invitational' – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Saturday 10 July: British & Irish Lions v Cell C Sharks – Jonsson Kings Park, Durban
Wednesday 14 July: British & Irish Lions v South Africa 'A' Team – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Saturday 17 July: British & Irish Lions v Vodacom Bulls – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday 24 July (first Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 31 July (second Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday 7 August (third Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Tags: British and Irish LionsSouth AfricaSpringboks
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