The Lions have turned down Australia's offer to host this summer's rugby series with world champions, South Africa.

The representative side is due to travel to South Africa in July for three matches against the Springboks.

With doubts over travel from Europe to South Africa, Rugby Australia made the offer to host the games this summer with capacity crowds permitted to attend.

But the Lions' board formally rejected that offer yesterday, leaving four options on the table.

It could still go ahead in South Africa with small crowds, or behind closed doors.  The matches may also be played in Ireland and the UK, it could be postponed until 2022 - or cancelled altogether.

The home nations are believed to be against pushing back the series to next year due to pre-arranged tours in preparation for the 2023 World Cup.

Another meeting of the Lions board is set to take place next week.

Team of Us. Everyone In.

Vodafone. The main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team