Premiership foils Lions’ warm-up

would prevail”.That wish came to grief yesterday when PRL made it clear their position had not changed – and would not.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “Talks are not ongoing over this issue.We are glad to have the opportunity to confirm that so any doubts can be removed.”

Gatland said: “I cannot understand why the Premiership would not want to be more positive and be doing more.”

Players based in Wales, Scotland and Ireland will now have two clear weeks of tour preparation but those in the Premiership final will not.

Gatland still declared himself “absolutely thrilled” with the itinerary agreed for the tour.

The tourists begin at sea level and work up to altitude before the first Test at the 88,000capacity FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The second Test will be in Cape Town with the third back in Johannesburg at Ellis Park.

Gatland said: “We are very comfortable that two of the Tests will be played at altitude. Ensuring the team are primed for the Tests is a critical element of any Lions tour and I am confident the quality of opposition we will face in the opening weeks will get us ready.”

The Lions will play only two midweek games, with no fixtures in the week of the first and secondTests.A sell-out crowd for the first Test would beat the 84,188 record crowd at the Wallabies decider in 2001.

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said: “The Lions have not lost a series since they were last here a decade ago.They will present a next-level challenge.”