British and Irish Lions chiefs have announced their 2021 tour to South Africa will go ahead as scheduled.
Confirmation has come the trip will not be moved from its dates in July and August, with organisers unable to wait any longer for an end to negotiations over the long-term shape of the global calendar.
There had been talk of a possible switch to September and October as part of proposals to amend the existing international window and a clash with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
Lions officials set a deadline of the end of June to finalise their itinerary and have stuck to the original schedule.
The eight-game tour kicks off on Saturday, July 3 2021 when the Lions play the Stormers in Cape Town.
Three weeks later the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will host the first Test – a venue which has previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.
The second Test follows on Saturday, July 31 at the Cape Town Stadium before the tourists return to Gauteng for the final Test on Saturday, August 7 at Emirates Airline Park.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of disruption to the sporting calendar, but after extensive discussions we are now able to confirm that the Tour dates are as previously announced,” said Ben Calveley, the British and Irish Lions managing director.
“An enormous amount of planning, especially from a logistical perspective, goes into putting on a Lions series, so it was crucial that a decision was agreed upon in good time.
“I am particularly pleased that we are able to provide some clarity for all those Lions supporters eager to travel to South Africa next summer.”
Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, added: “We’re delighted to confirm the Tour dates remain the same. The whole of South Africa is looking forward to welcoming the Lions and we continue progressing our plans to provide travelling supporters with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Lions bosses also announced all matches on their South African tour will be screened live by Sky Sports.
