Springboks v British & Irish Lions a step closer to taking place in the UK

It appears increasingly likely that should the Springboks v British & Irish Lions tour go ahead in 2021, it will do so in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

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The British & Irish Lions have reportedly made an official request to the UK government to assist with hosting what would be an unprecedented home ‘tour’ against the world champion Springboks.

According to the Daily Mail, the British & Irish Lions board met to further discuss contingencies for their tour of South Africa, scheduled to take place from 3 July to 7 August.

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Following the meeting – which reportedly went well – the British & Irish Lions board approached the UK government for financial guarantees – which also went well – which, if agreed to, would pave the way for the tour to be hosted in the UK and Ireland.

It appears to be a foregone conclusion that the British & Irish Lions tour – which was due to be their first visit since 2009 – will not go ahead in South Africa.

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South Africa has only just commenced with its Covid-19 vaccination programme with no completion date to that process having been communicated.

Holding the ‘tour’ in the UK and Ireland would have the likely added benefit of crowds – albeit in limited numbers – allowed to attend.

While Australia has also offered to host the tour, predictably, the home nations would rather hold the matches on home soil.

Why fly halfway around the world to play on neutral territory when you can play at home!?

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