Gatland’s troops will still tour South Africa

THE British and Irish Lions’ tour to South Africa next summer is to go ahead as scheduled, it has been announced.

Warren Gatland’s Lions will play the opening match of their eightfixture tour when they face Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on July 3, with the first of the three Tests against the worldchampion Springboks taking place at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium three weeks later. The second Test is scheduled for July 31 at the Cape Town venue and the third for August 7, back in Johannesburg at Emirates Airline Park. Lions managing director Ben Calveley said in a statement: “An enormous amount of planning 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.”

Gatland said: “Lions Tours are always unique, but to take on the world champions in their backyard will be something very special.”

Premiership Rugby has announced seven players and two members of non-playing staff have tested positive for coronavirus.

A total of 856 players and staff from across the 12 Gallagher Premiership clubs underwent assessment and those who have tested positive will isolate in line with government guidelines.