Mark Alexander

World Rugby and hosts, SA Rugby, have confirmed that the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town will take place from 9-11 September.

British and Irish Lions news | SA Rugby boss: We’ve made strong case for return of fans

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander believes they will make a strong case for the “safe return of supporters” when they present new proposals to government.

Mark Alexander

World Rugby and hosts, SA Rugby, have confirmed that the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town will take place from 9-11 September.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander believes they will make a strong case for the “safe return of supporters” when they present new proposals to the government next week.

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The British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa is scheduled for July and August, highlighted by three Tests against the world champion Springboks.

And the move by South Africa’s National Olympic Committee is potentially an encouraging development for British and Irish Lions supporters hoping to travel.

“A comprehensive set of guidelines and protocols to get fans back into South African sports venues is going to our government from our National Olympic Committee next week,” Alexander said.

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“We have been heavily involved in the drafting, and we believe it makes a strong case for a safe and sustainable return of supporters.

“Our government’s response is likely to be shaped by the progress of the (coronavirus) pandemic, but even if we have to play behind closed doors the tour will go ahead.

“We have robust plans in place, shaped from the benefit of a year of lessons from bio-secure environments around the world.

“There is no reason to doubt the tour taking place.”

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The British and Irish Lions are due to play two Tests in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town Cape Town as well as matches in Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria and Nelspruit.

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