Venue adjustments to Lions rugby tour

THE door on spectators attending matches played by the touring British and Irish Lions in July has not been closed, but for now, it does not look good as SA Rugby yesterday announced how fans that have bought tickets are to be recompensed.

On the same day that rugby’s ruling body clarified a new tour schedule for the Lions, they also told those who had bought tickets in the online ballot in March how they will be refunded.

But having seemingly slammed the door shut on spectator attendance, SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux opened it ever so slightly when he said: “We are hopeful that restrictions on attendance at sports events will be relaxed but, for the moment, we are planning for an event behind closed doors.

“If that requirement changes, then we’ll assess the options available and make the necessary decisions based on the restrictions in place.”

So for now, SA Rugby has confirmed that all ticket holders for the original schedule will receive a full refund but – and here is some potentially good news for the Springboks – SA resident ticket holders will have first right to purchase tickets if restrictions are lifted and crowds are allowed at stadiums.

That would mean no Red Army and a Sea of Green for the Boks.

The revised tour schedule will see all eight matches played in Gauteng and the Cape to minimise the risks of disruption that could be caused by the pandemic.

Initially, the Series was scheduled to kick off in Cape Town with a game between the Stormers and Lions on July 3, but Gauteng will now play host to the first game, against the local Lions, with three matches – against the Lions, Sharks and Bulls – to be played at Ellis Park and Loftus in total.

In the revised schedule, the Golden Lions replace the SA Invitational side to reduce the risks associated with drawing a squad from around the country.

The Series will then move to the Mother City for two more build-up matches, before the first Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, July 24. The series then returns to Johannesburg for the second and third Tests at the FNB Stadium.

See Good Read inside for full revised British and Lions Tour schedule.