Lions considering contingency plans due to Covid-19 cases in South African squad

Rugby officials reported three positive Covid tests in the Springbok camp and increasing expectation of tighter government restrictions

Lions fly-half Dan Biggar said the squad had plenty of leaders.

The British and Irish Lions were set to fly into Johannesburg this morning, but their stay on the Highveld may be shorter than intended after tour management was understood to have begun looking at contingencies in the midst of a worsening Covid situation in South Africa’s biggest city.

Warren Gatland’s squad, now captained by Conor Murray following the withdrawal through injury of Alun Wyn Jones, are set to open their South African schedule in Johannesburg this Saturday against Emirates Lions, the first of three tour games in the Gauteng region over the next fortnight.