Lions turn down Australia’s offer to stage the South Africa series Down Under

If the Lions tour happens, it will be behind closed doors or in front of small crowds (David Davies/PA0

The Lions have declined Australia’s offer to host this summer’s series against South Africa.

A board meeting on Friday made the decision due to the lack of financial certainty over the finance of Rugby Australia staging the eight-game tour, which culminates in a three-Test series against the Springboks.