Lions 2021 to be played in the UK?

[SaintK]

Have to say I'd convinced myself that the idea of the summer tours being replaced by Lions-free national sides playing against the Lions was the best/most exciting option. If this is the reality then it's all a bit meh.

It seems very over-optimistic for being in a position to fill those stadiums to full capacity in 4 months time

[Uncle fester]

Leaked Lions SA tour schedule:



Can't verify authenticity but it's doing the rounds.

Delete your post please. The information you have posted is private & confidential.

[Slick]

Leaked Lions SA tour schedule:



Can't verify authenticity but it's doing the rounds.

Delete your post please. The information you have posted is private & confidential.

Or bollocks. One of the two

[Paddington Bear]

A little underwhelming for me. Would much rather see Lions & SA play some clubs/regions/provinces than see them can the USA

[OomStruisbaai]

Do the clubs/unions/regions play end of June/July?

Will be nice if some of our Rainbow Cup teams can play the Lions if they are in the UK during that time.

[assfly]

Delete your post please. The information you have posted is private & confidential.

Can we just keep this between the two of us.

[Chilli]

Delete your post please. The information you have posted is private & confidential.

Can we just keep this between the two of us.

I won't tell anyone.

[OomStruisbaai]

Delete your post please. The information you have posted is private & confidential.

Can we just keep this between the two of us.

I won't tell anyone.

Difficult uncle.

[OomStruisbaai]

That article is based on a story in the Telegraph which in turn has no sources other than some statements from the chairman of Rugby Australia. Of course in his mind they would be the favourites, but the whole thing is baseless speculation.

Pretty unedifying for Rugby Australia to engage in such blatant begging for cash.

Begging for cash. Is that what you call covering your costs and splitting any profits between the two participants.

Personally I hope we don't host you. Neither of you deserve the tour.

Shameful effort.

Weren't you banned?

Yep.
https://www.notplanetrugby.com/viewtopi ... 9&start=40

[assfly]

Surely there has to be an announcement this week. Last week of March.

It's clear that the series is going ahead, it's just the location and schedule that we're waiting on.

[assfly]

SA begging for the tour to happen in SA:

https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/sprin ... 59bd3d4680

[OomStruisbaai]

Corvid cases stayed below 1000, deaths below 100. Pretty sure if this stay till after Easter they will tour in SA.

That will be the measure.

[Biffer]

Lions to become a Tory political football?

These fuckwits really have no idea what the independence movement is about, do they?

[Biffer]

A little underwhelming for me. Would much rather see Lions & SA play some clubs/regions/provinces than see them can the USA

Yeah. Playing against a combined Glasgow / Edinburgh team for instance. A strong Barbarians side from the UK only. A Munster / Leinster select. That kind of thing would have been excellent.

[Paddington Bear]

A little underwhelming for me. Would much rather see Lions & SA play some clubs/regions/provinces than see them can the USA

Yeah. Playing against a combined Glasgow / Edinburgh team for instance. A strong Barbarians side from the UK only. A Munster / Leinster select. That kind of thing would have been excellent.

Or just some of those individually. The USA are pants and I doubt this series will 'break America', I'm even less convinced that watching the Boks' dirt trackers take them for 40 points will appeal either.

There's so many great clubs/provinces etc up here with heritage and fan bases that could make genuinely interesting tour games.

[Sandstorm]

A little underwhelming for me. Would much rather see Lions & SA play some clubs/regions/provinces than see them can the USA

Yeah. Playing against a combined Glasgow / Edinburgh team for instance. A strong Barbarians side from the UK only. A Munster / Leinster select. That kind of thing would have been excellent.

Or just some of those individually. The USA are pants and I doubt this series will 'break America', I'm even less convinced that watching the Boks' dirt trackers take them for 40 points will appeal either.

There's so many great clubs/provinces etc up here with heritage and fan bases that could make genuinely interesting tour games.

I think USA television will pay the Boks Marketing Team more than Munstervision. It's not great for the local fans unfortunately.

[And 1 guest]

The Lions are a touring team. Not only a tradition but a definition. I don't want them to play a series in the UK and Ireland. If they can't tour, and a load of great players miss out, then so be it

There, I said it. That is how I feel but chop tackle me, just leave the chin alone.

[Sandstorm]

The Lions are a touring team. Not only a tradition but a definition. I don't want them to play a series in the UK and Ireland. If they can't tour, and a load of great players miss out, then so be it

There, I said it. That is how I feel but chop tackle me, just leave the chin alone.

I think many of us agree with you, however SA Rugby are basically broke after 2020 lockdown and need the cash. They'll push for the series to happen this year and will play in Ghana if they have to.

[And 1 guest]

Ghana sounds like fun. What's the beer like?

[Sandstorm]

Ghana sounds like fun. What's the beer like?

TOP BEER FROM GHANA

1 Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Ghana) Guinness Ghana Breweries
2 Stone Strong Lager (Ghana) Accra Brewery (AB InBev)
3 Gulder Lager (Ghana) Guinness Ghana Breweries
4 Club Shandy (Ghana) Accra Brewery (AB InBev)

Top 3 look nice. #4 for the Welsh.

[Begbie]

Ghana sounds like fun. What's the beer like?

I believe that Star is one of the common brands. If it's anything like the Nigerian Star it will be honkin stuff. Just about drinkable ice cold, if you're thirsty or desperate enough.

[And 1 guest]

A pint of Gulder sounds good

[Begbie]

A pint of Gulder sounds good

My post about Star goes for Gulder too. It's slightly less offensive.

[And 1 guest]

A pint of Gulder sounds good

My post about Star goes for Gulder too. It's slightly less offensive.

Fuck it, following a Lions tour I even drank ozzie beer. It can't get much worse

[assfly]

Looks like the tour to SA is back on the cards

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/another- ... th-africa/

[Calculon]

Good

[SaintK]

From the RFU press briefing this afternoon

The RFU supports a Lions tour to South Africa.

"We're running out of time for a UK option, frankly. The days are ticking by," Sweeney said.

"The preferred position has always been to go to South Africa and play in South Africa, either with crowds or behind closed doors.

"We're in a critical dialogue to confirm what they're capable of doing around the Lions going to South Africa."

The Lions board turned down an offer from Australia to stage the tour earlier this month.

Sweeney added: "The Lions board has been meeting pretty much weekly for some time now.

"It's not completely finalised yet. There was a possible Australian option which has gone away."

Sweeney indicated that if South Africa are unable to host the Lions tour then it will be cancelled.

[OomStruisbaai]

https://saru-umbraco.azurewebsites.net/ ... es-update/

Update on the Castle Lager Lions Series

SA Rugby and the British & Irish Lions confirmed on Tuesday that they were aligned on delivering the Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa in the scheduled playing window.

The Lions Board confirmed its preference to SA Rugby on Monday evening, prior to follow-up meetings earlier today.

“After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the Board’s intended position is for the Tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021,” said Mr Jason Leonard, Chairman of The British & Irish Lions.

“We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust COVID-19 countermeasure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted Tour. SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.”

Mr Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, said he would inform the Executive Council of SA Rugby of the alignment.

Mr Mark Alexander flanked by Rassie Erasmus (Director of Rugby) and Jacques Nienaber (Springbok head coach)
Mr Mark Alexander flanked by Rassie Erasmus (Director of Rugby) and Jacques Nienaber (Springbok head coach)

“We appreciate the Lions’ faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour,” said Mr Alexander.

“We have been in regular contact with our government to make that a reality against the backdrop of the pandemic and its predicted progression over the coming months.

“There are serious financial implications for SA Rugby, should the event take place without any supporters in attendance, and we cannot ignore that in our considerations. But we are determined that the eventual outcome will deliver the best occasion and experience for players, supporters and our commercial partners.”

Mr Alexander said that the original tour schedule was subject to review because of those considerations. Should any changes be required they will be communicated as soon as possible.

SA Rugby assured everyone who had purchased tickets through the ticket ballot or as part of the official hospitality programme that they would be entitled to a full refund, with the mechanic to be communicated in due course once any revised schedule was confirmed.

Those who had bought official travel packages through SA Rugby Travel would be contacted by a company representative in due course.

Action from the Test series in 2009
Action from the Test series in 2009

Mr Leonard added: “Every British and Irish player dreams of wearing the famous red jersey, and players from the southern hemisphere aspire to be part of a Lions series. We owe it to the current players vying for a place in both squads to ensure they can become part of Lions history.

“We are very much looking forward to taking on South Africa for what promises to be a highly-competitive Series against the reigning World Champions.”

Mr Alexander thanked the Castle Lager Lions Series’ commercial partners as well as the British & Irish Lions and ticket holders for their patience during the extended period of uncertainty.

“As hosts and ‘owners’ of the Castle Lager Lions Series no one has been more affected or more challenged by the current circumstances than SA Rugby,” said Mr Alexander.

“However, with the support of our government and good planning we can navigate the pandemic to nonetheless create a most memorable event for players, fans and partners.”

The British & Irish Lions have toured South Africa on 13 previous occasions, with the first Tour taking place in 1891. In that time, the Lions have won four Test series, lost eight with one drawn. Their overall record against the Springboks is played 46, won 17, lost 23 and drawn si

[Uncle fester]

Going to be a miserable auld tour for the players. Presume they'll have to quarantine away from everybody?

[assfly]

Fantastic news for SA. Let's hope the COVID numbers are low so that they can consider letting people into the stadium.

Surely vaccinated Lions fans should be allowed into stadiums?

[Sandstorm]

Fantastic news for SA. Let's hope the COVID numbers are low so that they can consider letting people into the stadium.

Surely vaccinated Lions fans should be allowed into stadiums?

Rinky and FalseBaybaby won’t be happy about that!!!

[assfly]

Rinky and FalseBaybaby won’t be happy about that!!!

Same goes for SA fans too. If it's the difference between full and empty stadiums, then vaccine passports should be presented at the stadium gate.

[SaintK]

Rinky and FalseBaybaby won’t be happy about that!!!

Same goes for SA fans too. If it's the difference between full and empty stadiums, then vaccine passports should be presented at the stadium gate.

Apart from TV rights, how on earth are they going to make any money from the tour with empty stadiums and no travelling support?

[assfly]

Apart from TV rights, how on earth are they going to make any money from the tour with empty stadiums and no travelling support?

I think there will be some travelling support. Especially those who booked this years in advance. It will be a shame if they aren't allowed in the stadiums, but still the holiday of a lifetime with lots to do and see.

[Lemoentjie]

Great news. Would have been sorely missed, and devalued the Lions concept. Can't wait!

[Grandpa]

Rinky and FalseBaybaby won’t be happy about that!!!

Same goes for SA fans too. If it's the difference between full and empty stadiums, then vaccine passports should be presented at the stadium gate.

Anyone know how to get a vaccine passport? I've been vaccinated, but no vac passports have been mentioned.

[assfly]

Anyone know how to get a vaccine passport? I've been vaccinated, but no vac passports have been mentioned.

How do they record that you've been vaccinated? Apart from a sticker on your jersey

I've got one from years ago that has my yellow fever vaccine certificate, and that's what they used for my wife's vaccine .

[Biffer]

Going to be a miserable auld tour for the players. Presume they'll have to quarantine away from everybody?

Yeah, they'll miss out on the community visits and coaching sessions, which are normally a big part of the SA series in particular.

[Biffer]

Ghana sounds like fun. What's the beer like?

TOP BEER FROM GHANA

1 Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Ghana) Guinness Ghana Breweries
2 Stone Strong Lager (Ghana) Accra Brewery (AB InBev)
3 Gulder Lager (Ghana) Guinness Ghana Breweries
4 Club Shandy (Ghana) Accra Brewery (AB InBev)

Top 3 look nice. #4 for the Welsh.

Do they not do Tusker in Ghana then?

[Grandpa]

Anyone know how to get a vaccine passport? I've been vaccinated, but no vac passports have been mentioned.

How do they record that you've been vaccinated? Apart from a sticker on your jersey

I've got one from years ago that has my yellow fever vaccine certificate, and that's what they used for my wife's vaccine .

I got a little passport type booklet for previous vacs.. like Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus etc.. but they wouldn't put it in that book for some reason. Just a card with the date of my vac. But nothing official looking.. all handwritten on a card the size of a business card.