THE British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa will not return to Gauteng after Saturday’s first Test, like initially planned, but stay in Cape Town for the second and third Tests instead.
The decision to remain in Cape Town was made following extensive consultation with medical experts on the risks associated with the delta variant of COVID-19.
“The data pointed in only one direction,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby. “The Series has already been significantly disrupted by COVID-19 and a return to Gauteng at this time would only increase the risks.
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“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 playing, out an unforgettable Series over the next three weekends and this decision gives us the best opportunity to see that happen.”
Ben Calveley, Managing Director for The British & Irish Lions, added: “We are fully supportive of this decision which we believe to be in the best interest of the Test Series.”
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