Gatland plans Channel Islands camp for the Lions

The British and Irish Lions are planning a 10-day training camp in Jersey and Guernsey before departing for South Africa, even though the contingency option of relocating the series to the UK and Ireland was scrapped last week.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland had first explored using Jersey as a base if the tour had to be relocated because of the pandemic. It was considered a “neutral” venue, with more relaxed Covid restrictions.

The Lions board decided to proceed with the tour after concluding a “home series” was not feasible on grounds of time, logistics and cost.

But Gatland was so impressed with the islands’ facilities – including an altitude chamber adjacent to the Jersey Reds club that will let players prepare for the “thin air” in the South African Highveld – that the Lions are still looking to use them for their camp, ahead of the game against Japan at Murrayfield on June 26.

It is understood Gatland is exploring the option of spending several days training at Guernsey RFC to break up the 10-day camp that is to assemble on June 14 for players not involved in the Premiership semifinals and final, which coincides with the Japan game. Any players involved in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final on June 19 should be able to join up with the Lions the next day.

Traditional bonding sessions – key to successful tours – are likely to be possible on the Channel Islands, as all Covid restrictions are set to be lifted on the day the camp is due to start. Given the squad are likely to face biosecure bubble restrictions in South Africa, the camp will let players bond over a beer after training.

The squad will travel to Scotland on June 24 before leaving for South Africa on June 27. The farewell dinner, usually held on the night before departure, has been scrapped.