The British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa next year could be pushed back into the autumn, both sides have conceded.
The three-Test series is scheduled for July and August but the knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic may well force a rethink.
Jurie Roux, chief executive of SA Rugby, said: “The development of the pandemic and its varying impact around the world has made for a fluid situation and we have had to be responsive in our planning.
“That means we have looked at a number of contingencies around scheduling. We have those scenarios in place.”
Lions head coach Warren Gatland said the tourists would “deal” with any change to the agreed dates.
"I'm conscious of what's best for the game,” he said. "I know South Africa are desperate for it to go ahead but if it means we have to move some dates then we have to be flexible on that.”
