Springbok v B&I Lions matches moved to just two cities - report

According to reports, the British and Irish Lions are set to confirm that their rescheduled tour matches against the Springboks will move to just two cities and will consist of three Test matches instead of the previously discussed four.

Cape Town will now host the first match and Johannesburg the final two.

The British & Irish Lions will start by basing themselves in Johannesburg and play three warm-up matches before traveling to Cape Town for three more games, last of which being the first Test.

British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland said: ‘I’m not 100 percent sure, but my understanding at the moment is that the games will be on the same dates as the original tour was, and it will be three Tests.

‘It looks like it’ll be in two venues, so starting potentially in Johannesburg, then three games in Cape Town, with the first Test there, and then the second and third Test back in Johannesburg.’

The first Test will take place on 24 July in Cape Town followed by the second and third Tests in Johannesburg on 31 July and 7 August.

Cape Town could host the Stormers, SA Invitational and first Test, with Johannesburg playing host the Bulls, Sharks, SA ‘A’ and final two Tests.

The changes come following months of analysis and negotiations about the best way to carry out the Lions tour and keep COVID risk at a minimum.