'Significant amount of work to be done' but Lions intend on touring South Africa this summer

Warren Gatland’s squad are due to open their 2021 campaign in Cape Town against the Stormers on July 3

General view of British and Irish Lions fans showing support for their team. Travel arrangements for South Arfica are unclear - but officials insist they want the tour to go ahead as planned

The British & Irish Lions have announced their intention to tour South Africa on schedule this summer following agreement with SA Rugby but the issue of travel from Ireland and the UK for the three-Test series is not resolved.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, still affecting huge numbers in South Africa, Ireland and the UK had put the tour in doubt with alternative scenarios explored including playing the Test matches in the Northern Hemisphere, including at Croke Park.