Lions board promise tour decision is imminent

THE British and Irish Lions say they will make an early decision whether this year’s tour of South Africa can go ahead amid the pandemic.

A final decision had been expected in March, but Ben Calveley, the Lions managing director, suggested yesterday that date could be brought forward to February

he tour is due to start in July but could be cancelled or delayed until 2022 as Covid-19 cases surge in South Africa and the UK.

Calveley said: “We are very aware of the need to make a timely decision on the best way forward; not least so that we can provide clarity to supporters. booked to travel to South Africa next summer, or those thinking of making the trip.

“The Lions board will meet throughout January and into February, if required, to review all relevant information.”

It will be difficult for the Lions to reschedule for 2022 as the Home Nations have planned tours in the pipeline.

South Africa are supposed to be involved in a Test series against Wales during that window, while England are scheduled to visit Australia then and Ireland have a series in New Zealand.

A year or more delay would also surely mean the Lions would be looking for a new head coach as it is unlikely that New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Waikato Chiefs, would allow Warren Gatland a further year’s sabattical from his job with them.