Lions eye Jersey base

CONTINGENCY planning for a home Lions tour has been ramped up after Warren gatland went on a recce of a Jersey training base.

the head coach flew to the Channel islands to cast his eye over new multi-million-pound complex Strive. Although no decision has been made on the series against the Springboks moving to the UK and ireland, detailed itineraries are being drawn up.

gatland is keen on the venue as a base camp and a provisional group booking of a hotel has already been made for the duration of the series.

Meanwhile, eddie Jones has been granted his wish of southern fixtures to start the 2023 World Cup and hosts France open the tournament with a clash against new Zealand in Paris.

on the first Saturday, September 9, england play Argentina in Marseille and on September 10 Scotland face holders South Africa at the same ground. Wales open their tournament against Fiji in Bordeaux.

Jones can now plan a Marseille base as he desired because england face Japan in nice before travelling north to Lille for their other pool games. ENGLAND POOL D FIXTURES: Argentina, Marseille (Sept 9, 2023); Japan, Nice (Sept 17); Americas 2, Lille (Sept 23); Oceania 1, Lille (Oct 7). WALES POOL C FIXTURES: Fiji, Bordeaux (Sept 10); Qualifier, Nice (Sept 16); Australia, Lyon (Sept 24); Europe 1, Nantes (Oct 7). SCOTLAND POOL B FIXTURES: South Africa, Marseille (Sept 10); Asia/Pacific 1, Nice (Sept 24); Europe 2, Lille (Sept 30); Ireland, Paris (Oct 7). IRELAND POOL B FIXTURES: Europe 2, Bordeaux (Sept 9); Asia/Pacific 1, Nantes (Sept 16); South Africa, Paris (Sept 23); Scotland, Paris (Oct 7).