British and Irish Lions ask for Government help to host series against world champions South Africa this summer – with matches set to be staged in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin
- The planned tour of South Africa will not happen this summer due to Covid
- The Lions want Government help to stage a home ‘tour’ against the Springboks
- Organisers seeking a commitment to cover any losses due to Covid setbacks
The Lions have made an official request to the Government to underwrite a home ‘tour’ this summer, culminating in a Test series against South Africa.
Sportsmail understands that, following a board meeting last Thursday to discuss contingencies for the Covid-disrupted event, the Lions approached the Government to obtain financial guarantees which would clear the way for arrangements to be made for fixtures in Britain and Ireland.
Sources have indicated that the initial response was positive and rugby officials are optimistic they will receive the support they need.
The Lions have made an official request to the Government to underwrite a home ‘tour’
The planned tour of South Africa will not happen because the country has not yet launched a vaccination programme and the rugby union there is unlikely to benefit from government intervention.
Australia are offering to stage the tour Down Under and have claimed they can ensure a £10million profit, based on state backing.
That scenario remains on the table and of interest to the home unions. However, the RFU and their counterparts in Wales, Scotland and Ireland heavily favour the option of home matches in these exceptional circumstances.
A commitment from Westminster to cover any potential losses in the event of Covid-related setbacks would allow plans to be stepped up.
Australia have offered to stage the tour Down Under and guaranteed a £10m profit
The potential for crowd limits to be removed from June 21 would come just in time for the Lions’ clash with Japan at Murrayfield. Any home ‘tour’ scenario would involve Tests — surely featuring the likes of England star Maro Itoje — in each capital city of London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin.
However, it is not clear whether Murrayfield would stage a Lions-South Africa Test if it has already hosted the Lions-Japan game.
Meanwhile, Six Nations officials will decide on Wednesday whether to postpone Sunday’s France v Scotland game to the weekend of March 6-7. A further six French players are isolating after positive Covid test results.