Home series now looks only option for Lions

AS the French government seeks assurances from Ireland and the UK over their Covid-19 protocols before allowing Les Bleus to participate in the Six Nations, it has emerged that this summer’s Lions tour of South Africa could be scrapped if it is not played on home soil. It has now been accepted that the tour which is scheduled to take place from late June until early August — culminating in a three-Test series against the reigning world champions — can’t go ahead due to the pandemic. There has been a widespread clamour for a postponement until the same time next year. But the latest indications are that this scenario is facing overwhelming opposition, with logistical challenges deemed to be insurmountable. Informed sources have suggested to Sportsmail that there is a growing acceptance that the existing slot must be used or the whole event will be abandoned. It us understood that World Rugby have no desire to mediate and help broker a complex deal which would involve rearranging the 2022 summer Test schedules which have already been agreed, such

From Back Page as Ireland’s tour of New Zealand. Multiple sources have claimed that the home union executive on the Lions board — which includes IRFU chief executive Philip Browne — see home Lions fixtures as the only viable fall-back plan. The board regards matches against the Springboks in Dublin, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff as a means of making sure there is a series, even if there can’t be a traditional overseas tour. Meanwhile, the more pressing causing concern is the staging of the Six Nations. For now, the tournament is set to go ahead as planned, but the French government has sought assurances from Ireland and the UK over their Covid-19 protocols before pressing ahead. The Six Nations held talks with French officials yesterday and discussions will be ongoing as organisers attempt to convince the government that sufficient coronavirus protocols are in place. French authorities are concerned over the spread of the strain of Covid-19 in Ireland and UK and will engage in further talks before giving the green light. French Minister of Sport, Roxana Maracineanu confirmed yesterday that France’s first-round meeting with Italy in Paris — which is just 25 days away — will go ahead as planned on February 6. Ireland are set to welcome France to Dublin in the second round on February 14. Meanwhile, Munster and Leinster will meet in a blockbuster Pro14 derby in Thomond Park on January 23 after the original St Stephen’s Day was postponed due to a Covid scare in Leinster.