Looks like it’s UK this summer for the Lions

THE Lions are finalising plans for a groundbreaking British and Irish tour this summer which could run to as many as eight matches.

A final decision is due this week with confirmation of a four-Test series against the Springboks in

Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Twickenham as revealed by The Rugby Paper last month. The Springboks, unable to host the tour because of the pandemic, are understood to have given their approval.

The Lions had been due to play eight matches starting on July 3 and finishing five weeks later. Their board, made up of representatives from the Four Home Unions, hope to transfer the same schedule to venues across the UK and Ireland.

Boris Johnson’s timetable out of lockdown, set for June 21, has convinced the Lions’ they will be allowed sufficient crowds to make a home tour work, however tempting Australia’s invitation to relocate the series there.

The latest plan revolves around their squad being based in Jersey with additional matches against the Barbarians and Japan under consideration.

Finding two more opponents deemed worthy of a Lions fixture will be difficult given the domestic season ends in June.