Australia offers to host Lions series vs South Africa

The British and Irish Lions could be playing South Africa in Australia this year

Australia has offered to stage this year’s British and Irish Lions series against South Africa, which is under threat because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said on Sunday.

The Lions are scheduled to play eight matches in South Africa, including a three-Test series against the world champions starting on July 3 in Cape Town.

Both Britain and South Africa are still firmly in the grip of the virus, however, and Lions officials are scheduled to decide in February whether to proceed with the tour or look at other options.

Australia has been relatively successful in containing the pandemic and in November and December staged the Rugby Championship, renamed the Tri-Nations, after South Africa withdrew.

“I spoke to Jurie Roux, the CEO of South African Rugby, a few weeks ago and offered to host the tournament here, considering how dire the COVID situation is in the UK and South Africa,” said McLennan.

“We learned through the Tri-Nations (that) our government can bring high-performance athletes into the country and safely quarantine them.

1:15

Sky Sports News’ James Cole reports that the British and Irish Lions are looking at three options for their scheduled tour of South Africa.

“Despite all the difficulties, we need to keep the world moving as best we can. So this was a lateral offer and solution to an issue those guys are facing.”

McLennan said the offer was well-received and there has been subsequent contact between Rugby Australia and other stakeholders in the tour. “It would actually work because there are so many UK and South African residents and expats who live out here, so we could fill stadiums,” he added.

“They may choose to go somewhere else, but the offer is there.”

0:30

Former New Zealand international Grant Fox explains what it means for the host nation when the Lions come to tour.

Rugby Australia would expect to cover costs but beyond that any profits would go to South Africa Rugby and the Lions.

“We’re not doing this to make money,” McLennan said.

Rugby Australia has not yet confirmed their mid-year test series against France but McLennan thought both tours could be accommodated with a little flexibility.

“We’re dead keen to have France and expect them to come, we’re really looking forward to it,” he said.

“When you look at the schedules, there would be minimal overlap.”

The Lions last toured Australia in 2013, winning a thrilling test series 2-1 in front of sellout crowds, and are scheduled to return in 2025.