Lions tour must take place, says Mcgeechan

SIR Ian Mcgeechan says the Lions tour must go ahead this summer – even if it has to happen in Britain.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has placed the Lions’ summer trip to South Africa in jeopardy, with the health of players, staff and travelling supporters paramount to the discussion.

Mcgeechan, who toured as a player with the Lions in 1974 and 1977, says it is more important than ever that the games go ahead, even if the plans have to be changed somewhat.

He said in his Telegraph column: “Lions are tourists and, particularly since the watershed tour of 1997, now have an incredible relationship with their fans which continues to grow.

“But right now rugby needs the Lions more than perhaps at any time in its history and the tour needs to happen if at all possible. If that has to be in the British Isles then so be it.

“It would not be the same, but it would be historic in its own way, and it would be popular. Lions tours hold a unique place in the rugby firmament.

“You could not hope for a better pick-me-up after such a tough year. I do not think a postponement is ideal.

“In 2022, there will be only one year until the next World Cup and some nations have already agreed to summer tours. I would rather see it take place this summer, wherever that is.

“This pandemic has caused untold damage to the game. The Lions are, quite simply, the best team to put smiles back on people’s faces.”

Meanwhile, French rugby federation president Bernard Laporte has played down fears the Six Nations could be postponed this season amid the Covid-19 crisis.

News emerged at the weekend that plunged the tournament into severe doubt, with the French government ready to impose an immediate ban on cross-border elite sport.

A travel ban would have serious implications for the Six Nations, which is set to start on February 6. Were it still in place by then, it would prevent France from taking part.

But Laporte remains optimistic the competition will go ahead as scheduled.

“It’s a puzzle, but I think we shouldn’t be alarmed about the Six Nations tournament,” Laporte told French radio RMC. “The tournament will be played with a health protocol decided by the government. Everything went well in the autumn, it will be the same for the Six Nations. I’m not that worried.”