The British & Irish Lions board is said have to received support from the government to host this year’s series against the Springboks in the United Kingdom.
According to a report in the Times, the UK looks set to host the British & Irish Lions series for the first time in history due to Covid-19 circumstances in South Africa, which will pose logistical challenges should the tour proceed as initially planned.
There are also suggestions that a fourth Test between the Lions and Boks will be added to the playing schedule in an attempt to drive up revenue.
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Read the excerpt from the Times:
A bid by the British & Irish Lions for financial guarantees from the government for a home series against South Africa has won backing from ministers who think that it could be a uniting force for the United Kingdom now that Scottish independence is back on the political agenda.
The treasury had initially poured cold water on the request to underwrite the unprecedented home series in case of fans not being allowed into stadiums this summer. However, there has been a significant shift in favour among members of the cabinet of supporting matches that would be played in England, Scotland and Wales, and possibly Northern Ireland too.
It is believed the Lions board and SA Rugby will make a joint announcement in the coming weeks that the four Tests will be played at Twickenham in London, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
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