British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa hangs in balace amid Covid-19 uncertainty with conclusion looming

Talks are prepared this thirty day period over the position of the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, with the vacation now thought to be in question because of to Covid-19.

The Lions are scheduled to head to South Africa this summer months for an 8-match tour that follows a rare home fixture from Japan at Murrayfield on June 26.

The Stormers, Sharks and Bulls are all due to participate in Warren Gatland’s facet in addition to South Africa’s ‘Invitational’ and ‘A’ groups prior to a a few-Test collection from the reigning planet champion Springboks.

The initial and 3rd Checks ended up arranged for Johannesburg on July 24 and August 7 respectively, with the second Test in Cape City on July 31.

However, the escalating condition concerning coronavirus and new strains found in the two England and South Africa have still left the tour topic to appreciable question.

“As you would assume, we are progressing with our ideas dependent on the newest information and facts offered to us,” Lions taking care of director Ben Calveley reported on Saturday.

“Even so, offered the uncertainty that proceeds to be prompted by the coronavirus pandemic both in South Africa, as nicely as the United kingdom and Eire, we are incredibly mindful of the want to make a timely decision on the best way forward.

“Not minimum this is so that we can deliver clarity to supporters booked to journey to South Africa up coming summer season, or those people considering of making the vacation.

“To date, the Lions board has had recurring conferences to go over all eventualities readily available and is in consistent dialogue.

“It will meet in the course of January and into February, if required, to assessment all pertinent details and knowledge.”

Calveley reported an update would be supplied in “owing course”.

He additional: “In the meantime, we keep on standard discussion with our companions in the British isles, Ireland and South Africa, such as the British Superior Commission in Pretoria, the Irish Embassy and many governing administration departments, to determine as significantly info as probable on this rapid-evolving, complicated problem.”

Added reporting by the Push Affiliation.