British and Irish Lions confirm tour of South Africa will go ahead next summer

The British and Irish Lions have confirmed that their tour of South Africa will go ahead as scheduled next summer following speculation that it could be delayed due to coronavirus.

The hasty eight-game tour, which Sky Sports have confirmed they have secured the rights for, begins on 3 July and ends with the Third Test at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on August 7.

The other two Tests are at Soccer City in Johannesburg and at Cape Town Stadium.

Ben Calveley, the Lions managing director, said there had been “extensive discussions” over the timing of the tour.

It had appeared likely that the tour could be shunted into the autumn by the fixture backlog caused by Covid-19, but the tour will remain in its traditional summer spot.

By the time the tour is completed, some Lions players will have played just about 12 months straight rugby for their clubs – Premiership clubs resume their season in a month – and countries.

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