The British and Irish Lions will tour South Africa next year as scheduled, playing three tests against the Springboks in July and August of 2021.
Rugby is in flux throughout the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the cream of Irish talent will get the chance to take on the World Champions in a year's time.
The Lions have won four series against South Africa, losing eight and drawing one. Their record against the Springboks is a total of 17 wins from 46 matches.
In 1997, they beat the then World Champions 2-1, a team which included Keith Wood.
Warren Gatland will once again coach the best of Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland.
Ben Calveley, the Managing Director of the Lions, said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of disruption to the sporting calendar, but after extensive discussions, we are now able to confirm that the Tour dates are as previously announced.”
Here is the schedule:
- Saturday 3 July: British & Irish Lions v DHL Stormers – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
- Wednesday 7 July: British & Irish Lions v South Africa ‘Invitational’ – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
- Saturday 10 July: British & Irish Lions v Cell C Sharks – Jonsson Kings Park, Durban
- Wednesday 14 July: British & Irish Lions v South Africa ‘A’ Team – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
- Saturday 17 July: British & Irish Lions v Vodacom Bulls – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- Saturday 24 July (First Test): South Africa v British & Irish Lions – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- Saturday 31 July (Second Test): South Africa v British & Irish Lions – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
- Saturday 7 August (Third Test): South Africa v British & Irish Lions – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
