The British and Irish Lions are set to play the Springboks in South Africa.
Since the Coronavirus outbreak last year, there have been reports that the British and Irish Lions series will take place in the UK, however a joint statement from SA Rugby and the British and Irish Lions has confirmed their backing to bring the tour to South Africa.
“After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the Board’s intended position is for the Tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021,” said Jason Leonard, Chairman of The British & Irish Lions.
“We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust COVID-19 countermeasure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted Tour. SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.”
Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, said he would inform the Executive Council of SA Rugby of the alignment.
“We appreciate the Lions’ faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour,” said Alexander.
“We have been in regular contact with our government to make that a reality against the backdrop of the pandemic and its predicted progression over the coming months.”
SA Rugby assured everyone who had purchased tickets through the ticket ballot or as part of the official hospitality programme that they would be entitled to a full refund, with the mechanic to be communicated in due course once any revised schedule was confirmed.
The British and Irish Lions tour South Africa once every 12 years in a three test-match series.
The last time the Springboks played the British and Irish Lions was in 2009 and on that occasion the Springboks who were also World Champions at the time were coached by Peter de Villiers and went on to win the series 2-1 with the highlight of the tour being the
Morne Steyn inspired three pointer which gave the hosts a dramatic last minute victory at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria in the second test.
The Springboks of 2007 had the likes of legends of the game Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez and the Springboks of 2020 will be looking to the likes of lock Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit along with inspirational captain Siya Kolisi and the entire team to win the British and Irish Lions Series.
Springbok utility back and two time World Cup winner Francois Steyn played for the Springboks against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and his experience will be key for South Africa.
The 2021 British and Irish Lions are coached by former Wales coach Warren Gatland.
Gatland will be looking for revenge of his own after the Springboks beat his Wales team in a 2019 World Cup semi-final.
The England players in the British and Irish Lions team, which are likely to consist of the likes of Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell, will want to erase the memories of their 32-12 loss to South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
More details on the venues and dates for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa will be announced soon.