Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says nothing should be allowed to threaten the future of the British & Irish Lions.

With the English domestic season being revamped from the 2019-20 season, the Lions tour to South Africa in 2021 is set to be reduced to eight matches in five weeks. The Lions played 10 matches over six weeks in New Zealand last year.

‘I can’t really comment on the structure and amount of matches, but my first Test match was against the Lions [in 1997], so for me, they are a very special team,’ said Erasmus in London when asked about the shortened tour.

‘When I was coaching at Munster, I had the chance to experience more the soul of the Lions. When you’re on the other side, they are your opponents, but when you’re here, you almost understand what it’s all about.

‘I don’t know if cutting it down to less matches will take that soul away, because I think the Lions will always be something big. But if there’s anything that threatens the Lions’ future, I think that should be taken out of the equation, because it’s a wonderful organisation.’

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