No spectators for tour matches

SOUTH Africa are planning for all matches of the British and Irish Lions tour to be played behind closed doors, but have not given up hope that some spectators will be present.

A revised schedule for the eight fixtures has been published, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing adjustments to be made to the original itinerary that reduce travel and create stable team bases.

There is also one change in opposition, with the Emirates Lions replacing the SA Invitational team in the tour opener on July 3.

And in a new development, SA Rugby has announced that the games, including the three-Test series against the Springboks, are being organised on the basis they will take place without fans present.

“We are hopeful that restrictions on attendance at sports events will be relaxed but, for the moment, we are planning for an event behind closed doors,” SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said.

Revised Lions schedule – Sat, July 3: v Emirates Lions (Johannesburg) KO 5pm (BST). Wed, July 7: v Cell C Sharks (Johannesburg) 7pm (BST). Sat, July 10: v Vodacom Bulls (Pretoria) KO 5pm (BST). Wed, July 14: v South Africa ‘A’ (Cape Town) KO 7pm (BST). Sat, July 17: v DHL Stormers (Cape Town) KO 5pm (BST). Sat, July 24: v Springboks (1st Test, Cape Town) KO 5pm (BST). Sat, July 31: v Springboks (2nd Test, Johannesburg) KO 5pm (BST). Sat, Aug 7: v Springboks (3rd Test, Johannesburg) KO 5pm (BST)