[ad_1]
A general view of Ellis Park.
David Rogers / Getty Images
the British and Irish lions I hope the fans can cheer them on in South Africa next year for a tour where interest is “off the scale,” according to managing director Ben Calveley.
The Lions announced Wednesday that they will play Japan in Murrayfield on June 26 as the backdrop to their series against world champions Springboks.
That date is the same day as next season’s English Premier League final, one week before the Lions’ tour opens in Cape Town.
The Japan match will be subject to Covid-19 restrictions in effect at that time, but Calveley, remains “optimistic”, fans will be able to watch the game in Murrayfield.
“What is clear is that the interest in the Lions is off the scale, considerably higher than what we have seen on previous tours,” Calveley said on a conference call.
“Our focus is to focus on ‘Plan A’, which is working in partnership with the South African Rugby Union to ensure that we are ready to deal with whatever Covid environment we find ourselves in next summer.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic. We have seen that the sport has returned to the elite around the world.”
He added: “The borders of South Africa opened on October 1 and there are many sporting events, particularly in South Africa, from now until the (Lions) tour, so we have many opportunities to learn.”
The Lions’ eight-game trip to South Africa begins on July 3, with three tests scheduled against the Springboks.
Games could still be played behind closed doors, but Calveley said: “We all know that Lions tours need to have fans, without that famous Red Sea, Lions tours are not the same.”
Japan’s game falls outside of World Rugby’s ninth international Test window and that means Premiership Rugby is not required to hand over players to coach Warren Gatland’s team for the match.
Calveley, however, is confident that the Lions’ first Test in Scotland will be a memorable occasion anyway.
“My opinion is that there are many examples, even within rugby, of multiple test matches occurring on the same day – the Six Nations do so at the culmination of the Championship,” he said.
“I’m really sure there is more than enough enthusiasm. There are more than enough rugby fans to accommodate multiple matches and we are really looking forward to Japan’s game in Edinburgh.”
