British and Irish Lions’ final TWO tests against South Africa will be played in Cape Town

British and Irish Lions’ final TWO tests against South Africa will be played in Cape Town rather than Johannesburg to reduce risk of more Covid outbreaks in either camp

  • The Lions take on South Africa in the opener at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday
  • After Saturday’s test, the tour was scheduled to relocate to Johannesburg
  • However, the severity of the Covid pandemic in Gauteng, has forced a rethink 

The British and Irish Lions will play the final two Tests of their series against South Africa in Cape Town in order to reduce the risk of either camp suffering additional outbreaks of coronavirus.

After Saturday’s opener at Cape Town Stadium, the tour was scheduled to relocate to Johannesburg for the remaining games.

However, the severity of the pandemic in Gauteng, where the Delta variant is causing escalating problems, has forced a rethink in conjunction with medical experts.

The British and Irish Lions open their series against South Africa on Saturday in Cape Town

Cape Town Stadium will play host to all three Tests between the Lions and the Springboks

Cape Town Stadium will play host to all three Tests between the Lions and the Springboks

SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said: ‘The data pointed in only one direction. The series has already been significantly disrupted by Covid-19 and a return to Gauteng at this time would only increase the risks.

‘We now have two teams in bio-secure environments without any positive cases or anyone in isolation.

‘To now return to the Highveld would expose the series to renewed risk.

‘Everyone wants to see the two squads, at their strongest, play out an unforgettable series over the next three weekends and this decision gives us the best opportunity to see that happen.’

Siya Kolisi is set to captain South Africa for the first Test despite only just returning from Covid-19 isolation

Siya Kolisi is set to captain South Africa for the first Test despite only just returning from Covid-19 isolation

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