'The concept of the Lions has been destroyed' - Willie John McBride

British and Irish Lions great Willie John McBride has ripped apart this year's tour to South Africa, insisting it should have been postponed.

McBride said told The Rugby Paper that it is "nonsense" that this summer's trip to South Africa is taking place without plans. He believes that this has "destroyed" the concept of the Lions.

"It's a nonsense, a total nonsense. It should have been postponed. The concept of the Lions has been destroyed. It's now purely about money." The Irishman told the Rugby Paper

"What sort of tour is it when there won't be any fans? Let's be honest, this is a non-tour. If there's a few bob to be made in some stupid game, they go ahead and arrange one."

"The Lions should never play at home and yet they're playing this game against Japan in Edinburgh. It's about making money."

"A Lions tour has always been about more than playing matches. There's no other sport I know which brings the best players of four countries together to play overseas. We used to take the game to every corner of the country we were visiting. That's all gone and I find it absolutely dreadful for the game I love."