In addition to three Tests and two midweek fixtures, the British & Irish Lions will also face Vodacom Super Rugby teams the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers on their eight-game tour to South Africa in 2021.
FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will host the first Test on Saturday, 24 July, followed by battles between the Boks and Lions at the Cape Town Stadium and Ellis Park.
However, preceding those Tests, the Lions will play three other weekend fixtures and two midweek matches. Besides playing three out of the four local Super Rugby teams, the touring team will face a SA ‘Invitational’ side and South Africa ‘A’.
Saturday, 3 July: British & Irish Lions vs Stormers – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Wednesday, 7 July: British & Irish Lions vs SA ‘Invitational’ – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Saturday, 10 July: British & Irish Lions vs Sharks – Kings Park, Durban
Wednesday, 14 July: British & Irish Lions vs South Africa ‘A’ – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Saturday, 17 July: British & Irish Lions vs Vodacom Bulls – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
Ben Calveley, managing director of the British & Irish Lions, said: ‘In partnership with SA Rugby, we have worked hard to deliver a match schedule that will provide a significant challenge for Warren and his squad, as well as showcasing the Lions and rugby union across the world.
‘Lions Tours are a truly unique experience, and we are expecting tens of thousands of supporters to travel to South Africa in 2021 – with this schedule, we’re certain that every one of them will come back with amazing memories.’
Meanwhile, president of SA Rugby Mark Alexander said they looked forward to welcoming the tourists to South African shores.
‘We are delighted to announce the itinerary in conjunction with the British & Irish Lions, and we will continue progressing our preparations to provide travelling supporters with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’
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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
