Will British & Irish Lions' Tour of South Africa Go Ahead?

(31 Oct 2021) The British & Irish Lions are scheduled to tour South Africa this year.

The first Test has been arranged to take place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 24 July, the second in Cape Town a week later, and the third at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 7 August.

The Lions are also supposed to travel the length and breadth of South Africa, visiting some of the most impressive stadiums in world sport.

The eight-game schedule includes six weekend fixtures; three against Vodacom Super Rugby teams the Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers, and two midweek fixtures against an invitational side in Port Elizabeth and South Africa ‘A’ in Nelspruit.

However, with scientists around the world currently investigating the worrying new B.1.1.7. variant of COVID19 from the UK as well as the 501.V2 variant from South Africa, questions are being asked whether the Tour will be able to go ahead as planned.

“As you would expect, we are progressing with our plans based on the latest information available to us,” said Ben Calveley, The British & Irish Lions Managing Director in a statement issued on Saturday, 2 January 2021. “However, given the uncertainty that continues to be caused by the coronavirus pandemic both in South Africa, as well as the UK and Ireland, we are very aware of the need to make a timely decision on the best way forward; not least so that we can provide clarity to supporters booked to travel to South Africa next summer, or those thinking of making the trip.

“To date, the Lions Board has had repeated meetings to discuss all scenarios available and is in constant dialogue. It will meet throughout January and into February, if required, to review all relevant information and data. After further consultation with SA Rugby, we will update on the outcome of these meetings in due course.

“In the meantime, we continue regular discussion with our partners in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, including the British High Commission in Pretoria, the Irish Embassy and various government departments, to ascertain as much information as possible on this fast-evolving, complex situation.”

The British & Irish Lions have toured South Africa on 13 previous occasions, with the first Tour taking place in 1891. In that time, the Lions have won four Test series, lost eight and drew one. Their overall record against the Springboks is played 46, won 17, lost 23 and drawn six.

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