Lions chiefs consider Australia offer to host tour

THE British and Irish Lions are considering an offer by Australia to host the summer series against South Africa.

The Lions’ eight-match tour in July and August, including a three-Test series against the world champions, is in doubt due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rugby Australia have raised fresh hope that the series can go ahead by offering to act as hosts and it is understood that has been added to the options under consideration by Lions chiefs.

A decision is due mid to late February and initial options were playing the games behind closed doors, delaying the tour until 2022 or hosting games in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has confirmed reports that they have offered series.

“What we learnt from the Tri Nations last year and the tennis that’s happening now is that Australia can successfully stage global tournaments in a COVID world,” McLennan said.

“It’s particularly tough in the UK and South Africa at the moment and I believe the more international rugby that gets played here, the better.” to step in and host the

McLennan says profits from the tour would be split between the Lions and South Africa, with Rugby Australia merely covering their costs.

The move would also offer significant hope of matches being played in front of fans. Crowds have returned to live sport in the country and up to 30,000 fans will be allowed to watch the Australian Open in Melbourne this month.

A series in Australia would prove popular among the expatriates from both the UK and South Africa but would prove a logistical challenge for the 30,000 fans who normally follow the Lions.

Organisers would also have to comply with Australia’s strict quarantine regime, with players and officials facing spending two weeks in hotels before the tour kicks off.